The Concept of Political Rationality

Abstract

The authors seek to develop the concept of (instrumental) rationality into a useful analytic tool in political science. Analogous to the economists' hypothetical rational man, the political man seeks to maximize his power. They note the idiosyncratic limitations of assuming that all purposive behavior is rational by definition, and turn to the action with the larger payoff as the more rational strategy, but this situational definition of rationality offers its own problems. They conclude that in most political situations it may be impossible to discover with certainty the best strategy, so settle for a less demanding definition of rational political choices, which includes recognition of the cost of choosing. The starkness of game theory analysis is relieved en route by perceptive comments on political institutions and choices.