Rational choice and formal theories in social science 1600-SZD-WM-TRW
Seminar devoted to the theory of rational choice and the applications of formal theories (including social choice theory, game theory, formal theory of politics) in sociology and political sciences.
The detailed program of the seminar - especially in its further part - will be modifiable due to the participants' interests and research plans. In the introductory part, the classes will focus on the following issues:
• General assumptions of the theory of rational choice; mutual relations between individual motives and actions and social phenomena.
• Preferences and utility and individual rationality - from homo oeconomicus to homo sociologicus.
• Collective action problems.
• Game theory and its applications in social sciences.
• The theory of rational choice in political science: formal theory of politics.
In the further part of the course the above problems will be developed; detailed selection of topics will result from the interests and research plans of the seminar participants.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
After completing the course, its participant
- Knows the assumptions and applications in scientific research in sociology and other social sciences of the theory of rational choice, game theory and formal theory of politics
- Knows the different meanings of the concept of rationality and the role that assumptions about rationality have for various social theories
- Knows research on the limits of individual rationality
- Knows the essence of the relationship between motives and activities at the individual level and social phenomena
- Can use theories of rational choice to describe social phenomena
Assessment criteria
Assessment of the paper / presentation and class participation
Bibliography
Coleman, J. Foundations of Social Theory
Schelling, T. Micromotives and Macrobehavior
Schelling, T. The Strategy of Conflict
Straffin Ph.D. Game Theory and Strategy
Olson, M. The Logic of Collective Action: Public Goods and the Theory of Groups
Kahneman, D. Thinkink. Fast and Slow
Riker, W.H. Liberalism against Populism
Lissowski, G. (ed.) Elementy teorii wyboru społecznego
Chmielewski, P. Homo agens
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: