Alle Publikationen
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2015
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(2015): Why not? On axiomatizing sociological action theory. In: Zeitschrift für Soziologie (44.2), S. 83-98
Abstract: This contribution demonstrates that two different approaches to decision theory, i.e. the axiomatic theories of bounded rationality (Rubinstein 1998) and the new sociological theory of action, share the common goal of developing a decision theory that describes what actually happens inside the minds of decision makers. Additionally, it is argued that sociological action theory has need of such an axiomatic method. This is illustrated by providing a partial characterization of the model of frame selection developed by Esser (2001) and Kroneberg (2005), arguably the most influential model in action theory in German sociological discourse.
Keywords: Axiomatic Theory, Bounded Rationality, CONSUMERS BEHAVIOR, COOPERATION, Decision theory, DEFINITION, Disziplin, Entscheidungsforschung, ESSER,HARTMUT, FRAME-SELECTION, model, Procedural Decision Making, PURE THEORY, RATIONAL CHOICE, Scripts, SITUATION, Soziologie, Soziologisches Handlungsmodell von Hartmut Esser, VOLUNTEERS 2009
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(2009): The individualistic research program in sociology. development, present state, and problems. In: Zeitschrift für Soziologie (38.1), S. 26-47
Abstract: After an account of the beginnings of the individualistic research program (IRP) at the Department of Sociology of the University of Cologne and its later development, an explication of the program is provided. Based on the well-known micro-macro model ("Coleman boat") the possible problems of the IRP are identified and then discussed. In regard to the applied micro-theory it is argued that there are fewer problems if a wide instead of a narrow version of the theory of rational action is applied. If micro-macro relationships (bridge assumptions) are empirical, it is argued that they are singular causal statements (i.e., not laws) and that the micro-theories of the IRP (such as value expectancy theory) can be applied. The article further discusses variants of the micro-macro model and the claim that collective concepts can be reconstructed as properties of individuals.
2008
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(2008): The Three Logics of Selection theory of Action as Theory of Defining the Situation. In: Zeitschrift für Soziologie (37.5), S. 362-379
Abstract: Using Hartmut Esser's model of frame selection as a point of reference, this paper examines how different ways of defining a situation influence the selection of action. The introduction of the model of frame selection has substantially changed the theory of action within the macro-micro-macro-model of sociological explanation. The theory of action has become closely related to the sociology of knowledge: the theory of action as the theory of defining the situation. This paper contributes to this theoretical approach. It is argued that the criteria for selecting between the interpretive patterns which orient and guide actions depend on three different forms of defining the situation: (1) defining the situation constatively, i.e. identifying the characteristics of a given situation; anti two forms of defining the situation performatively: (2) constituting the situation by referring to a definition of the situation which is effectively enforceable or (3) constituting the situation by referring to a definition of the situation which is commonly shared. The assumption that the different ways of selecting between interpretive patterns depend on these three forms of defining the situation contradicts the view of the current model of frame selection, which in this respect refers to the difference between an automatic-spontaneous and a reflective-calculating mode of selection.
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