ABSTRACT
The chapter provides some essential information on the major concepts and assumptions of rational choice theory. Rational Choice Theory may be defined as a theoretical perspective which aims at explaining either an individual or a collective action as the result of the individual actors orientation to an efficient attainment of a goal. An important application of rational choice theory is the 'game theory'. This theory considers the actor as a person engaged in a sequence of moves and countermoves with other actors, in the rationally carried out attempt of obtaining an advantage or a benefit. The theme of individual costs and benefits referred to participation in cooperative and non-cooperative games, as well as the associated theme of the dilemmas encountered by participants, has been extensively studied within the framework of rational choice theory. James S. Coleman is one of the most outstanding and controversial representatives of rational choice theory.
