Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. James M. Buchanan and Constitutional Political Economy 3. Anthony Downs and the Spatial Theory of Party Competition 4. William Riker and the Theory of Coalitions 5. Kenneth Arrow and Social Choice Theory 6. Mancur Olson and the Logic of Collective Action 7. Gordon Tullock, Rent Seeking, and Government Failure 8. Anthony Downs (again) and the Economics of Information and Voter Choice 9. Rational Choice Explanation.

Promotional Information

'A very accessible introduction to rational choice theory and to the work of key scholars within this tradition. Unusually balanced and thoughtful in its approach, it highlights both the strengths and limits of rational choice not only in particular substantive areas but, with striking originality, in terms of its philosophical underpinnings.' - Jack Knight, Washington University, USA 'A very thorough and accessible introduction that will be welcomed for its careful and clear exposition of the ideas of key contributors to the field and of the developments and controversies to which their ideas have given rise.' Brian Barry, Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK and Columbia University, USA 'This book is the foundation of a good course in rational choice... [it] makes us think about how we pursue political science inquiry and, ultimately, how much we want to take from the limited science of economics and how much we still want to be able to tell a traditional good story.' - Stuart Astill, Political Studies Review

About the Author

Andrew Hindmoor is Professor of Politics at the University of Sheffield, UK. Brad Taylor is Lecturer in Economics and Political Economy at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.

Reviews

'A very accessible introduction to rational choice theory and to the work of key scholars within this tradition. Unusually balanced and thoughtful in its approach, it highlights both the strengths and limits of rational choice not only in particular substantive areas but, with striking originality, in terms of its philosophical underpinnings.' - Jack Knight, Washington University, USA 'A very thorough and accessible introduction that will be welcomed for its careful and clear exposition of the ideas of key contributors to the field and of the developments and controversies to which their ideas have given rise.' Brian Barry, Emeritus Professor, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK and Columbia University, USA 'This book is the foundation of a good course in rational choice... [it] makes us think about how we pursue political science inquiry and, ultimately, how much we want to take from the limited science of economics and how much we still want to be able to tell a traditional good story.' - Stuart Astill, Political Studies Review