ABSTRACT

Public choice has been one of the most important developments in the social sciences in the last twenty years. However there are many people who are frustrated by the uncritical importing of ideas from economics into political science. Public Choice uses both empirical evidence and theoretical analysis to argue that the economic theory of politics is limited in scope and fertility. In order to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of political life, political scientists must learn from both economists and sociologists.

chapter |13 pages

Introduction

part I|192 pages

Public Choice: A Critique

chapter 1|43 pages

Two Approaches to Politics

chapter 2|55 pages

Self-Interest in Politics

chapter 3|50 pages

Politics as Exchange

chapter 4|42 pages

Individualism

part II|159 pages

Collective Action: A Comparison

chapter 7|33 pages

Cooperation and Social Order

chapter |4 pages

Conclusion