The possibility of rational politics
- 1 May 1987
- journal article
- Published by Cambridge University Press (CUP) in European Journal of Sociology
- Vol. 28 (1), 67-103
- https://doi.org/10.1017/s0003975600005403
Abstract
We know, more or less, what rationality means when applied to individual choices and decisions. It is less clear what it could mean when applied to policy choices. In this article I discuss three questions. First, can one assign a meaning to the idea of rational political choice? Secondly, assuming that this assignment is feasible, what is the scope for rational political decisions? Thirdly, if this scope turns out to be limited (as it will), could there be an alternative guide to political action?Keywords
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