A theory of instrumental and existential rational decisions: Smith, Weber, Mauss, Tönnies after Martin Buber
This paper proffers a dialogical theory of decision-making: decision-makers (DMs) are engaged in two modes of rational decisions, instrumental and existential. Instrumental rational decisions take place when the DM views the self externally to the objects, whether goods or animate beings. Existential rational decisions take place when the DM views the self in union with such objects. While the dialogical theory differs from Max Weber’s distinction between two kinds of rationality, it follows Martin Buber’s philosophical anthropology. The paper expounds the ramifications of the dialogical theory in understanding structures of exchange considering assessments of diverse thinkers.
Other Information
Published in: Theory and Decision
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
See article on publisher's website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11238-020-09772-2
Funding
Open Access funding provided by the Qatar National Library.
History
Language
- English
Publisher
Springer NaturePublication Year
- 2020
License statement
This Item is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.Institution affiliated with
- Doha Institute for Graduate Studies
- School of Economics, Administration and Public Policy - DI
