Rational choice theory

The theory of rational action may therefore fail, because it is unable to produce unique prescriptions and predictions. It may also fail if the agents’ behavior does not conform to predictions, whether these are unique or not; that is, if the agents are irrational. There are multiple sources of irrationality, hot or cold.

— Rational choice theory

In general, social scientists overestimate the role of intentional human design in human affairs. This is especially true among economists and political scientists who employ the rational choice models economists have developed over the last century or so.

— Rational choice theory