Explaining Social Behavior
More Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences 2nd Edition
By Jon Elster | Publisher: Cambridge University Press
About the book
In this new edition of his critically acclaimed book, Jon Elster examines the nature of social behavior, proposing choice as the central concept of the social sciences. Extensively revised throughout, the book offers an overview of key explanatory mechanisms in the social sciences, drawing on many case studies and experiments to explore the nature of explanation in the social sciences; an analysis of the mental states - beliefs, desires, and emotions - that are precursors to action; a systematic comparison of rational-choice models of behavior with alternative accounts; and a review of mechanisms of social interaction ranging from strategic behavior to collective decision making. A wholly new chapter includes an exploration of classical moralists and Proust in charting mental mechanisms operating 'behind the back' of the agent, and a new conclusion points to the pitfalls and fallacies in current ways of doing social science, proposing guidelines for more modest and mode robust procedures.
Editions of Explaining Social Behavior
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781107071186
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781107416413
Read an Excerpt
In this new edition of his critically acclaimed book, Jon Elster examines the nature of social behavior, proposing choice as the central concept of the social sciences. Extensively revised throughout, the book offers an overview of key explanatory mechanisms in the social sciences, drawing on many case studies and experiments to explore the nature of explanation in the social sciences; an analysis of the mental states - beliefs, desires, and emotions - that are precursors to action; a systematic comparison of rational-choice models of behavior with alternative accounts; and a review of mechanisms of social interaction ranging from strategic behavior to collective decision making. A wholly new chapter includes an exploration of classical moralists and Proust in charting mental mechanisms operating 'behind the back' of the agent, and a new conclusion points to the pitfalls and fallacies in current ways of doing social science, proposing guidelines for more modest and mode robust procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Explaining Social Behavior about?
In this new edition of his critically acclaimed book, Jon Elster examines the nature of social behavior, proposing choice as the central concept of the social sciences. Extensively revised throughout, the book offers an overview of key explanatory mechanisms in the social sciences, drawing on many case studies and experiments to explore the nature of explanation in the social sciences; an analysis of the mental states - beliefs, desires, and emotions - that are precursors to action; a systematic comparison of rational-choice models of behavior with alternative accounts; and a review of mechanisms of social interaction ranging from strategic behavior to collective decision making. A wholly new chapter includes an exploration of classical moralists and Proust in charting mental mechanisms operating 'behind the back' of the agent, and a new conclusion points to the pitfalls and fallacies in current ways of doing social science, proposing guidelines for more modest and mode robust procedures.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Explaining Social Behavior?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy > Topics in philosophy > Social and political philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Explaining Social Behavior?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781107071186
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Explaining Social Behavior?
Jon Elster
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Explaining Social Behavior is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781107071186) and paperback(ISBN 9781107416413)