What does rational choice mean?

Answer 1

Rational choice refers to a framework in economics and decision theory where individuals make decisions by evaluating the costs and benefits of available options to maximize their utility or satisfaction. It assumes that people act logically and with purpose, weighing potential outcomes and selecting the option that provides the greatest benefit or the least cost. This concept underpins various theories in Social Sciences, suggesting that behavior can be predicted based on rational calculations. However, it is often critiqued for oversimplifying human behavior, as it may not account for emotions, social influences, or cognitive biases.