Rational Behaviour and the Design of Institutions

概念、理论和模式ls

Hannu Nurmi, Professor of Political Science, University of Turku, Finland

The structures of the world’s national and international, political and economic institutions have largely resulted from intuitive and ad-hoc organization with reforms taking place on a costly trial-and-error basis. This book offers a comprehensive evaluation of the tools which can be used for a more rational and formal approach to institutional design.

‘. . . the comprehensive book should not be missing in any library that deals with individual and collective decisions taken in institutions – be it in the department of political science or that of economics.’
– S. Napel, Journal of Economics/Zeitschrift für Nationalökonomie

‘Nurmi’s book on rational behaviour and its implications for the design of institutions is a valuable contribution to the analysis of collective decision-making. Though written by a political scientist the book shall be of use not only for students and scholars in political science, but also in political economy or rational choice theory.’
– Matthias Sutter, Kyklos

‘One of the characteristics of a good teacher and clear thinker is making complex issues seem simple. In this indispensable book Hannu Nurmi teaches the lessons for institutional design to be learned from social choice and game theory. He provides the essential grounding for the education of “great men” and the propogation of wise laws based on institutional rational choice theories.’
– Keith Dowding, London School of Economics and Political Science, UK