Sour Grapes: Studies in the Subversion of RationalityDrawing on philosophy, political and social theory, decision-theory, economics, psychology, history and literature, Jon Elster's classic book Sour Grapes continues and complements the arguments of his acclaimed earlier book, Ulysses and the Sirens. Elster begins with an analysis of the notation of rationality, before tackling the notions of irrational behavior, desires and belief with highly sophisticated arguments that subvert the orthodox theories of rational choice. Presented in a fresh series livery and with a specially commissioned preface written by Richard Holton, illuminating its continuing importance to philosophical enquiry, Sour Grapes has been revived for a new generation of readers. |
Contents
States that are essentially byproducts | 43 |
Sour grapes | 110 |
Belief bias and ideology | 142 |
| 168 | |
| 179 | |
Common terms and phrases
achieve action actual adaptive preference formation addiction agents alternatives Amos Tversky argue argument artist assume attempt autonomy behaviour beliefs and desires Bourdieu bring causal character planning cognitive cognitive bias collective rationality command conceptual conceptual art consequences constraints counteradaptive preferences deliberate discussion dissonance distinction effect Elster essentially by-products ethical evidence ex ante example explained fact faking fallacy feasible set freedom frustration G. A. Cohen goal Ibid idea implies important individual induced instrumental rationality intention interest involves irrational justified less logical means mechanism minimal art negation Nisbett and Ross notion objection observation one’s oneself optimal options outcome person political possible preference change problem reasons self-deception self-defeating sense shaped Similarly social choice social choice theory society sour grapes spontaneous Stendhal strategies substantive suggested tend theory things Tocqueville 1969 true trying utilitarian utility functions Veyne welfare wishful thinking Wollheim Zinoviev