ABSTRACT
The first part of this chapter is a detailed exposition of rational choice theory. We discuss its different versions and advocate a wide version that includes all kinds of motivations and beliefs, and subjective utility maximization (people do what they think is best in their situation). We discuss important implications (such as the possibilities to model interdependence), extensions (such as including emotions), applications in criminology and the most important objections against the theory. For example, it is shown that the theory is neither tautological nor circular, that there is no convincing alternative to utility maximization (such as reason-based action), and that allowing all kinds of incentives (i.e. preferences and beliefs) does not make the theory ad hoc or untestable because a basic requirement is that the incentives must be measured with the methods of empirical research if the theory is applied. The conclusion is that the theory is a fruitful foundation for providing micro-macro explanations (Chapter 6) and for a critical comparison with selected criminological theories (Chapter 7).
