The Cunning of Reason

The Cunning of Reason

by Martin Hollis (Author)

Synopsis

This book is a philosophers' attempt to bring together ideas put forward by economists, sociologists and political theorists. The author begins by exploring the economist's assumption that action is rational if it helps to achieve the agent's goals as efficiently as possible. The assumption is explored with the aid of rational-choice theory and game-theory, but it is rejected in the end for failing to account for the elements of trust and morality which rational social life requires. A discussion of 'Rational Expectations' and of 'maximising' and 'satisficing' leads to a portrait of social actors as rational role-players. Rationality is, finally, the expression of the self in a social world. The book intervenes in intense current debates within and among several disciplines. Its concern is with the true nature of social actors and the proper character of social science. Its arguments are the more challenging for being presented in a simple, incisive and lucid prose. It will be of particular interest to philosophers, social theorists and social scientists interested in the philosophical aspects of their discipline.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 232
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 18 Feb 1988

ISBN 10: 0521270391
ISBN 13: 9780521270397

Media Reviews
'Anyone reading The Cunning of Reason will find much that is thought-provoking in Hollis' stylish and richly allusive discussion.' Sociology