Jon Elster is a Norwegian social and political theorist whose works delve into the philosophy of social science and rational choice theory. He is also a notable proponent of analytical Marxism and a critic of neoclassical economics and public choice theory, largely on behavioral and psychological grounds. His scholarship primarily analyzes human decision-making and social phenomena. Elster rigorously examines how bounded rationality and psychological factors shape both individual and collective behavior.
Focusing on the complex dynamics between Britain and its American colonies, this volume delves into the social movements that united the thirteen colonies despite internal conflicts. Elster highlights the role of emotional forces and the concept of "divide and rule" in shaping political beliefs and actions on both sides of the Atlantic. He examines how the decline of British imperial influence affected transatlantic relations and the critical institutional decisions made by American states that influenced the Constitution's creation. This work uniquely combines historical analysis with modern social science perspectives.
"France before 1789 presents the main features of the prodigiously complex social system of the ancien regime which proceeded the French Revolution. In doing so Jon Elster goes beyond formal institutions to show how they worked in practice. He draws on a host of examples and contemporary texts to illuminate the perverse and sometimes pathological effects of this system and seeks to provide a detailed analysis of the political institutions that undergirded it. Whereas Tocqueville, in his famous analysis of the ancient regime, wanted to understand the old regime as a prelude to revolution, Elster views it as a prelude to constitution-making prompted by and intended to resolve these perversities. He views these as overlapping, yet important enough to render distinct. In addition to defending a particular set of substantive propositions about the conditions which led to the Constituent Assembly, Elster argues for a specific methodological approach to history, which emphasizes supplementing the historian's craft with approaches from the social sciences. Ultimately, he does not claim to answer the historians' questions better than they do. But he does aspire to ask and sometimes answer questions that historians have not formulated in order to better understand one of the most significant examples of collective decision-making history offers us"--
Focusing on collective decision-making, the book presents a normative theory that draws inspiration from Jeremy Bentham while consciously excluding his utilitarian framework. It explores alternative approaches to group decision processes, aiming to establish principles that guide effective and equitable outcomes in collective settings. Through this lens, the author invites readers to reconsider traditional notions of decision-making and the implications for societal governance.
Exploring the full spectrum of emotions, this comprehensive work delves into various theoretical frameworks that explain emotional experiences. It integrates perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, offering a thorough analysis of how emotions influence behavior and cognition. By examining both classic theories and contemporary research, the book provides readers with a deep understanding of the complexities of emotional life, making it a valuable resource for scholars and anyone interested in the science of emotions.
The book explores the challenges encountered by former communist states in their transition to democracy and market economies. It delves into the political, social, and economic obstacles these nations face as they strive to establish new governance structures and integrate into the global market. Through analysis, it highlights the complexities of this transformation and the various strategies employed to overcome these issues.
The book explores the concept of transitional justice in the aftermath of political regime changes, particularly from autocracy to democracy. John Elster analyzes various historical instances, including post-1945 Western Europe, post-1989 Eastern Europe, classical Greece, and transitions in Latin America and South Africa. He proposes a framework to understand the differences in how societies address past wrongdoings and compensate victims, highlighting the complexities and variations of these justice processes throughout history.
Exploring the themes of rationality and irrationality, this textbook builds upon Jon Elster's earlier concepts, offering a thought-provoking analysis. It delves into the complexities of human decision-making and the underlying motivations that drive behavior, challenging conventional notions of rational thought. Through a critical examination, the book engages with philosophical discussions and encourages readers to reconsider the nature of rationality in various contexts.
Focusing on the epistemological aspects of technical change, Jon Elster explores how knowledge and understanding shape innovations and advancements. He delves into the processes that underpin technical development, examining the interplay between theory and practice. This volume offers a unique lens through which to analyze the impact of knowledge on technological progress, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in the philosophy of science and technology.
