Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences
Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences
$61.00
USDThis 1989 book is intended as an introductory survey of the philosophy of the social sciences. It is essentially a work of exposition which offers a toolbox of mechanisms - nuts and bolts, cogs and wheels - that can be used to explain complex social phenomena. Within a brief compass, Jon Elster covers a vast range of topics. His point of departure is the conflict we all face between our desires and our opportunities. How can rational choice theory help us understand our motivation and behaviour? More significantly, what happens when the theory breaks down but we still cleave to a belief in the power of the rational? Elster describes the fascinating range of forms of irrationality - wishful thinking, the phenomenon of sour grapes, discounting the future in noncooperative behaviour. This is a remarkably lucid and comprehensive introduction to the social sciences for students of political science, philosophy, sociology and economics.
Reviews & endorsements
"Elster's book is a success. It is lively, modest, thoughtful, and laced with the sort of vivid images that effectively make abstract ideas come alive." Economics and Philosophy
Product details
July 1989Paperback
9780521376068
194 pages
214 × 137 × 15 mm
0.249kg
19 b/w illus.
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Part I. Introduction:
- 1. Mechanisms
- Part II. Human Action:
- 2. Desires and opportunities
- 3. Rational choice
- 4. When rationality fails
- 5. Myopia and foresight
- 6. Selfishness and altruism
- 7. Emotions
- 8. Natural and social selection
- 9. Reinforcement
- Part III. Interaction:
- 10. Unintended consequences
- 11. Equilibrium
- 12. Social norms
- 13. Collective action
- 14. Bargaining
- 15. Social institutions
- 16. Social change
- Bibliographical essay
- Index.
