Richard Harper is Principal Scientist at Social Shaping Research, Cambridge Dave Randall is Senior Professor, University of Siegen, Germany Wes Sharrock is Professor at Manchester University
In this excellent new book, Harper, Randall, and Sharrock offer a compelling criticism of scientific theories of human choice across a number of disciplines, from economics to socio-biology. The authors make a strong case for the view that human beings are considerably more rational than such accounts would have us think. In so doing, they give proponents of rational choice, nudge, and game theories much to worry about. This timely book is a must-read for anybody seeking a way through the conceptual entanglements we find ourselves in when attempting to explain human behaviour. Constantine Sandis, Oxford Brookes University In this instructive and highly readable book, Harper, Randall and Sharrock critically examine theories of choice in economics, psychology, sociology, and philosophy, among other fields. In addition to presenting clear and concise accounts of the various theoretical claims and debates, they develop novel criticisms of their own. The book does not attempt to resolve debates about choice with a new and improved model, but instead it provides valuable lessons on how to understand claims and arguments made about choice in academic discourse and practical life. Michael Lynch, Department of Science & Technology Studies, Cornell University