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Subjective Rationality and the Explanation of Social Behavior

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  • RAYMOND BOUDON

    (University of Paris-Sorbonne)

Abstract

This article discusses the central role of subjective rationality in the social sciences, particularly sociology. Actions need not produce good outcomes to be subjectively rational, but need only be carried out for reasons seen as good by the actor. The article examines a class of reasons that are both good (that is, subjectively rational) and invalid, that is, not objectively rational. An imaginary dialogue between David Hume and Anthony Downs is used to illustrate the way in which the apparent irrationality of ideology can be incorporated into subjective rationality. The social use of magic and the case of false beliefs are examined as further examples in the same class. Finally, the way in which good mental procedures can lead to false beliefs is examined.

Suggested Citation

  • Raymond Boudon, 1989. "Subjective Rationality and the Explanation of Social Behavior," Rationality and Society, , vol. 1(2), pages 173-196, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ratsoc:v:1:y:1989:i:2:p:173-196
    DOI: 10.1177/1043463189001002002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Anthony Downs, 1957. "An Economic Theory of Political Action in a Democracy," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 65(2), pages 135-135.
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    Cited by:

    1. Gilbert-Saad, Antoine & Siedlok, Frank & McNaughton, Rod B., 2018. "Decision and design heuristics in the context of entrepreneurial uncertainties," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 9(C), pages 75-80.
    2. Robert Smith, 1996. "Social structure and voting choice: hypotheses, findings, and interpretations," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 30(2), pages 137-160, May.
    3. Kevin L. Brown, 1990. "Comment on Boudon," Rationality and Society, , vol. 2(2), pages 229-233, April.
    4. Zürn, Michael, 1992. "Interessen und Institutionen in der internationalen Politik: Grundlegung und Anwendungen des situationsstrukturellen Ansatzes," EconStor Books, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, number 112639.
    5. Richard A. Shweder, 1990. "Comment on Boudon," Rationality and Society, , vol. 2(2), pages 224-228, April.
    6. Kazuo Yamaguchi, 2000. "Subjective Rationality Of Initiators And Of Threshold-Theoretical Behavior Of Followers In Collective Action," Rationality and Society, , vol. 12(2), pages 185-225, May.
    7. Doni Budi Setiyon & Yuwanto Nur Hidayat Sardini, 2023. "Split-Ticket Voting in Voter Behaviour of the Regional Election (Case Study of Governor Election and Deputy Governor of Central Kalimantan in 2016)," International Journal of Operations Management, Inovatus Services Ltd., vol. 3(1), pages 15-27, February.
    8. Raymond Boudon, 1996. "The `Cognitivist Model'," Rationality and Society, , vol. 8(2), pages 123-150, May.
    9. Alessandro Morselli, 2020. "Inequalities between liberal doctrine and Keynesian-oriented conventional economics," Economic Thought journal, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences - Economic Research Institute, issue 3, pages 86-117,118-.
    10. Jens Rydgren, 2004. "The Logic of Xenophobia," Rationality and Society, , vol. 16(2), pages 123-148, May.

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