理性选择理论:实际的应用与哲学的考评

Theory of Rational Choice in the Perspective of Practical Application and Philosophical Examination

理性选择理论是西方近来社会科学研究中相当流行的一种方法。按照这种理论,人的理性选择的目标是追求"效用的最大化"。它运用了博弈论等形式数学的模式,在对社会现象的描述和分析方面实现了一定程度的量化,使得预言较为精准,在原则上能够被经验检验,从而被认为最符合经验科学的规范。但这种理论也受到了责难,被指是一种典型的工具理性,只关注如何用理性的手段达到目的,而不关注目的本身是否合理。本文拟探讨它的理论构架和实际应用,并从哲学的角度加以评述。

The theory of rational choice has recently become a rather popular research approach in Western social sciences. According to this theory,the choice of a rational person aims at the pursuit of utility-maximization. It uses mathematical models such as the game theory to achieve a certain degree of quantitative description and analysis of social phenomena,and makes prophecies more precise. Therefore its validity is capable of empirical testing in principle,which is considered the best in line with the norms of empirical science in comparison with other methodologies of social sciences. But this theory is also accused of a typical instrumental rationality, which is only concerned with how to use rational means to achieve their own goals,and is not concerned about whether these very goals are reasonable or not. This paper examines the theoretical framework and practical application of this theory and makes a commentary from a philosophical point of view.