Abstract This paper examines the resurgent rise in social psychology of the questioning of rational choice in everyday life. It argues that rational choice can explain everyday behaviour only to the extent that the behaviour(s) under consideration can be said to flow from reasoned deliberation. The paper reviews conceptions of rationality; examines the concept of behaviour in and finally discusses the limits to which rational choice can be used to explain behaviour in everyday life.
Table of Contents:
Rationality and Rational Choice
A Question of Behaviour
Individual Behaviour
Group Behaviour
Spontaneous Behaviour
Premeditated Behaviour
Rational Choices, Everyday
Conclusion
From the Paper "Questions of the extent to which rational choice can explain behaviour in everyday life are arguably ones of relatively recent creation. Aristotle arguably took for granted the fact that rational choices explained actions or behaviour. In book seven of his Nicomachean Ethics he clearly delineates that goals come from character, which he deems the non-rational part of humans, while action and the choices of ways to proceed toward those goals, ones choice of action or behaviour, flow from the intellect - the rational part of individuals. The Enlightenment thinkers developed his position and more than held to his commitment to rationality. The primacy they accorded reason, and humanity's ability to reason, played a great part in the formation of the Enlightenment ideal of rationality."
Abstract This paper describes the fundamental aspects of rational thought and the common barriers to reasoning rationally. It defines rational thought and the process of reasoning and cites several barriers or obstacles to rational thought including unavailability of necessary knowledge, a disorder that prevents thinking at a rational level.
From the Paper " The purpose of this paper is to describe the fundamental aspects of rational thought and discuss the most common barriers to rational reasoning. The paper begins ..."
Abstract The development of Rational Choice Theory in the 20th century arose out of economic theory. Through such thinkers as Homans, Blau and Coleman it has emerged as an important school of thought. The theory focuses upon the rational calculations carried out by individuals guided by self-interest. Post-modernism, another contemporary theory, is in many ways in friction with rational choice theory, for the fundamental capitalist drive espoused by rational choice is seen as nothing but a social construct by the post-modern tradition. Alfred Schutz, a twentieth century phenomenologist, reconciles these two strains of thought to some degree by bringing up the notion of individual perception which encompasses both the social constructs and the drive for self-interest.
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) as presented in "A Guide To Rational Living" by Ellis and Harper. The writer then presents a personal application of REBT, and more specifically the concept presented in Chapter 7 "Overcoming the Influences of the Past" where REBT is applied to a learning experience in real life, through the experience of alcoholism.
From the Paper "The mere fact that children need love, approval, and attachment, means that to be deprived of these needs would result in sadness, loneliness, and depression. When needs are not met, children and adults will tend to go beyond the original event and effort to make things better. Unfortunately, this attempt can lead to self-blame and beliefs that self-improvement would prevent future neglect. Overexertion toward becoming more deserving of love may ensue ("I absolutely must perform well") or the opposite may occur. The child may believe that there is no hope and life will always be void of love due to beliefs of unworthiness."
Abstract This paper reviews the concept of rational choice which suggests that the individual has the ability to make decisions after contemplation of all areas of concern, and that choice is based on free will. Kant's view in relation to Adam and Eve supports this notion. However, Freud's interpretation of rationality in relation to mankind suggests that natural forces lead man to make decisions and that he is compelled by these forces which involve no rationalization whatsoever. This paper discusses how these contrasting views provide theories on human existence and what leads man to make choices that will affect his life and the lives of others.
Abstract This paper examine the seemingly paradoxical roles of ego and rational thought and how they actually complement each other and are both necessary for the formation of a balanced human being. The author discusses the works of Bentham, Descartes, and Kant.
From the Paper "The phenomenon of equating egoism with mere selfishness rather than as the extremely important underlying force from which not only rational thought springs, but happiness as well, perhaps originated within the tenets of organized religion, when it was perceived as "sinful" to consider the self, and saintly to sacrifice the self to any extreme, including martyrdom. Thus, while much of modern society is formed upon outdated codes of ethics, it can be said that it might benefit by returning to an even older form of ethics based upon an acknowledgment of the guardian ego and its primal awareness of - and inherent desire for - happiness as achieved through acts of virtue."
Abstract This paper attempts to compare two effective models of counselling, rational emotive behavioural therapy (REBT) and psychodynamic therapy. It looks at how they work, the role of the counsellor and various actions the models have on the client. It evaluates which of the two models is best suited the field of herbal medicine by considering their strengths and weaknesses.
From the Paper "The role of the counsellor within REBT counselling appears to be to help facilitate the reconstruction/rearrangement, by the client, of how they consider themselves, their view of the world and his/her individual experiences by employing various methods. Hill & Dryden (1993) briefly explain how the counsellor's role is one of guide and instigator of a regime of self-change and self-help sustained by the client's own energy with the counsellor maintaining an authoritative but not authoritarian, guidance role. In contrast, during Psychodynamic counselling, the counsellor helps the client achieve insight by interpreting the client's unconscious mental content. One of the main tools of psychodynamic counselling is "the Transference"; the use of this tool is also one of the main differences between psychodynamic counselling and other forms of counselling."
Abstract This paper critiques an article by John Scott about Rational Choice Theory. It gives an overview of the theory and points out some of the areas where people have difficulty with the theory. The paper also looks at how the theory applies to the Criminal Justice System in the U.S.
From the Paper "John Scott's article on Rational Choice Theory gives a good overview and historical perspective of the theory and how psychologists from differing backgrounds have supported or criticized the theory..."
Abstract This paper studies the psychologist Albert Ellis and his model for rational emotive therapy. The paper critiques and evaluates Ellis' work in terms of modern ideas in psychology. The paper provides an in-depth description of Ellis' lifetime achievements, including his theory and methods of therapy and how they contributed to the field of psychology. The paper also addresses Ellis' formative experiences.
From the Paper "Albert Ellis is the founder of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and the President of the Albert Ellis Institute. He has been referred to as one of the most influential psychotherapists in America..."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of administrative rationalism, which supposes that those in power within the environmental agencies of the country have a solid expertise in their fields. Furthermore, it suggests that these individuals have the relevant technical knowledge, the necessary authority, and will act in the public interest.
From the Paper "Administrative Rationalism and the Environment The concept of administrative rationalism supposes that those in power within the environmental agencies of the country have a solid expertise in their fields. Furthermore, these individuals have the relevant technical knowledge, the necessary authority, and will act in the public interest (Howes). Administrative rationalism is directly related to the functions of the individual in the position of authority when issues relating to the environment are concerned, and the expertise that is considered viable for these individuals does not call upon outside sources to make determinations of policy. Howes contends that administrative rationalism exists in the areas of, o professional resource management bureaucracies; o pollution control agencies o regulatory policy instruments o environmental impact assessment o expert advisory commissions (Howes)."
Abstract This paper discusses the book, "Welfare and Rational Care" by Stephen Darwall, and its argument that intervening in the welfare of an individual is morally justifiable. The paper critically reviews the book and discusses the major points Darwall makes.
From the Paper In "Welfare and Rational Care", Stephen Darwall examines the ethical nature of welfare. Darwall states, "I shall be claiming that a person' good is constituted, not by what that person values, prefers, or wants (or should value), but by what one (perhaps she) should want insofar as one cares about her (Darwall 4)."What this means is that an individual's welfare is essentially determined by what other individuals and society as a whole determine should be in their best interest."
Abstract This paper presents a review of Stephen Darwall's book, "Welfare and Rational Care", explaining that the book is essentially a philosophical argument in favor of protecting the welfare of individuals even if they aren't interested in protecting it.
From the Paper "Welfare is a very controversial issue for ethical philosophers to deal with. Many of the difficulties relate to the dialectic between protecting the rights of the individual and caring for the individual even though they don't seem to have an interest in caring for themselves. Stephen Darwall attempts to deal with these issues in his book Welfare and Rational Care. In Welfare and Rational Care Darwall seems to be siding with the philosophical camp that views welfare as a caring act that is performed for the individual even if they might not want it."
Abstract This paper describes Albert Ellis' rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT). The author presents the case of client, David Youngblood, a 65-year-old retired, recently widowed, white male, who has no support network. The paper relates that the client has stated that he has guilt feelings of surviving his wife and that he has had thoughts of suicide.The paper concludes that REBT, the most assertive form of treatment, is needed because it can identify irrational thoughts and can encompass numerous therapeutic techniques.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background of the Client
Theoretical Approach
Interventions
Multicultural/Diversity Sensitivity
Conclusion
From the Paper "The elderly population of the United States is increasing by vast proportions due to the baby boomer generation, which will create the largest elderly generation the country has ever known. As part of this vast social group, Mr. Youngblood has developed his own ideas about his life and the responses that he should have to life based on ideas that are specific to this population. It is apparent that these ideas have likely come from many sources and that they have evolved over the life span."
Abstract The paper refers to Graham T. Allison's article, "Conceptual Models in the Cuban Missile Crisis" as a basis for examining the conditions in the United States preceding WWI and President Woodrow Wilson's personal and political rational behind becoming involved in the war. The paper focuses on the inability of international actions to provide a strong rational for going to war and concludes that the United States' entry into World War One was a rational decision not based on international actions but motivated by political pressure and a fledgling sense of national identity among the state's most wealthy.
Outline:
Conditions in the United States Preceding the War
Woodrow Wilson's Personal and Political Rational for Becoming Involved in the War
The Inability of International Actions to Provide a Strong Rational for Going to War
Conclusion
From the Paper "In 1969, Graham T. Allison's article, "Conceptual Models in the Cuban Missile Crisis," made a monumental contribution to the field of foreign policy. By establishing three conceptual models that seek to explain the reasoning behind foreign policy decisions-the Rational Policy Model, Organizational Process Model, and Bureaucratic Policy Model-Graham seeks to establish that a variety of influences can result in a state's entry into an international conflict. Each of these models offers a different rationalization for a nation's involvement in conflict, including self-interest, the influence of leaders and organizations, and political compromises. Although Allison applied the three models he created to the Cold War Cuban Missile Crisis, scholars have acknowledged the models' applicability toward a variety of conflicts, including World War One. In fact, Allison himself cites reputable scholar Hans Morgantheau's assessment of the origins of the First World War as falling within one of his conceptual models, the Rational Actor Model (692)."
Tags: foreign, policy, Wilson, Rational, Unitary, Actor, Model
Abstract Rationality in the pursuit of goals is ensured on the one hand by rewarding departments that stick closer to the organizational goal with a larger budget, and by punishing departments that do not, with a smaller budget. Secondly, rationality is achieved by controlling the people working in the organization either by measuring their output (output control) by supervising them (process control) or by selecting, employing or training people in such a way that they believe in the mission and the overall objectives of the organization (clan control). Thirdly, reward systems are put in place, which remunerate people for helping to achieve the organizational goals. Examples of these are executive bonuses and stock options. It is widely believed, that through these measures it is possible to align the human resources of the organization with the organization's goals and thus ensure a rational pursuit of the goals that have been set. Thus an organization that has the appropriate systems in place is assumed to be characterized by the rational pursuit of organizational goals.
From the Paper "The view that organisations are characterised by the rational pursuit of some specific goal, is very prominent in organisation theory and in management literature. Pioneered by Frederick Taylor in his Scientific Management theory, it assumes that there is one best way to achieve a specific goal. A large amount of management literature supports this approach by suggesting procedures by which this "one best way" can be found. "
