The possibility of rational politics

Abstract

We know, more or less, what rationality means when applied to individual choices and decisions. It is less clear what it could mean when applied to policy choices. In this article I discuss three questions. First, can one assign a meaning to the idea of rational political choice? Secondly, assuming that this assignment is feasible, what is the scope for rational political decisions? Thirdly, if this scope turns out to be limited (as it will), could there be an alternative guide to political action?

From domestic to international justice: the welfare state and foreign aid

“…91 In periods of change, however, conceptions of justice should also play a major role, as they guide political movements and shape political debates. 92 In the end, one may also question the very distinction between a domestic and an international order, increasingly challenged by global economic, political, and social exchanges of all types. 93 With respect to liberal democracy, however, the distinction remains operative.…”

A Comparative Study of Inequality and Corruption

“…Democracy or political equality is not sufficient to curb corruption without economic equality, and democratization in highly unequal societies may even generate increased corruption in the short run. One task of politics and public action is to shape institutions and social conditions so that people behave honestly, because they believe that the basic structure of their society is just (Elster 1987). Corruption might not be destiny after all.…”

Críticas a la teoría de la esfera pública de Jürguen Habermas

“…luego de que la opinión del otro sea correctamente entendida, Habermas aspira a que la fuerza del mejor argumento se imponga en la deliberación, de modo que, ante la evidencia de un argumento superior, el individuo sea capaz de hacer una elección racional, incluso si esa elección racional implica dejar a un lado sus propia opiniones. así, el participante terminaría por cambiar su parecer: es este el colofón de la acción comunicativa: la transformación del sujeto a través de la comunicación (elster, 1991;Habermas, 1987). pero aquí aparecen algunas interrogantes: ¿los individuos son proclives a cambiar su parecer con tanta facilidad?…”