The Political Psychology of Rational Choice Theory

EDITOR'S NOTE: It is with some sadness that we publish the following article, one of the last pieces written by William Riker. Bill did more than any other single person to encourage the use of rational choice theory within political science. This article reflects Bill's belief that rational choice theory provides the only scientific basis for social theory. My thanks to Ken Shepsle and Bernie Grofman for editing the final manuscript.