Passions Within Reason: The Strategic Role of Emotions - Hardcover

Frank, Robert H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393026043 ISBN 13: 9780393026047

Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc, 1988

Synopsis

In looking at the behavior of the "me-generation" the author acknowledges the occurence of selfless acts and argues that looking out for number one may require looking out for others too

About this title

Review:

... offers a much-needed refinement of the influential Rational Expectations Hypothesis. -- William Abrams, Library Journal

Frank wants us to be more altruistic but he also is intent on convincing his fellow social scientists that embellishing self-interest theory with systematic consideration of the role of the emotions will permit explanation and prediction of more of human behavior . . . . One can find fault with this book: Frank demonstrates the importance of 'emotions' but never either defines them or even presents us with a complete list. Nor do we know whether he believes we choose or are pawns of our sentiments. Still, this is an important work. Frank's intellectually fruitful and socially hopeful central argument prevails. -- John Brandl, Commonweal

Through myriad hypothetical examples, factual accounts and case studies, and theoretical models, Frank explores the seams between the behavioral sciences and strikes at their central assumptions and methodologies . . . . Annotated coverage of leading research and researchers coupled with ample notes and references, offer solid bibliographical aids. -- A.R. Sanderson, Choice

From Library Journal:

To be moral is to be a chump. Or is it? Frank (economics, Cornell) believes in the efficacy of the selfless act and provides a new interpretation of the empirical research on common behavioral signals implying commitment to social values. He thus offers a much-needed refinement of the influential Rational Expectations Hypothesis, a decision theory used chiefly by economists whereby materialist motives of self-interest are ascribed to the average person weighing costs and benefits for every action. After a wide-ranging and thorough discussion of the implications of collaborative and unopportunistic behavior, Frank presents his own "commitment model" for prudential cooperation, which emphasizes the strategic and clarifying role of the emotions in facilitating socially efficient interactions. William Abrams, Portland State Univ. Lib., Ore.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: W W Norton & Co Inc
• Publication date: 1988
• ISBN 10: 0393026043
• ISBN 13: 9780393026047
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320