The course provides an overview of approaches and models in politics grounded in the rational-actor paradigm. It operates on the assumption that political behavior, like economic behavior, can be described and understood as the rational, goal-oriented actions of individuals operating within various institutional contexts.
The primary focus of the course is the analysis of political phenomena, rather than their evaluation. In other words, the course does not address the normative appeal of different political procedures or policy outcomes. However, the clear and systematic exploration of both the intended and unintended consequences of individual and collective political actions will equip students with the tools to make informed normative assessments and conclusions.
Additionally, the course seeks to enhance students' understanding that politics fundamentally involves strategic interactions, that institutional frameworks are crucial, and that "irrational" or suboptimal collective outcomes are often consistent with rational individual behavior.
By the end of the course, students should be able to apply the theoretical concepts and frameworks they have learned to interpret and analyze both historical and contemporary political events effectively.
- Docente titolare: Francesco Zucchini