What Does It Mean To Be Rational?

Rational choice theory is a criminology theory designed by Derek Cornish and Ronald Clark which states that before people commit a crime they think about what they are going to do (Snook, Dhami, & Kavanagh, 2011). They consider the pros and cons before performing the criminal action. The entire premise of the rational choice theory is that each individual, regardless of whether rich, poor, educated, or uneducated, all utilize rationality when making the decision to commit a crime (Taylor, 2013). The rational choice theory postulates that when a person weighs the costs and benefits of a crime, that person decides whether or not the benefits are worth the risk. It is about maximizing his or her own self-interest (Jacques & Wright, 2010). The

Carla had received very low annual return from her investment portfolio comprising of stocks of five companies for two years. Her decision to continue holding the same portfolio of assets will be an example of:

This theory focuses on the criminal behavior being linked to social control. Street crimes that are criminal in nature are characterized by Matsueda, Kreger and Huizinga as “irrational and suboptimal.” When criminals rob, most have made the financial decision to go through with the crime; they have found it both rational and optimal. They not only weighted the rewards of robbing but also the risks. Most figure that robbing was the best possible decision they could have made to help them through a crisis. According to Mr. McCarthy, there are four different assumptions of the rational choice theory; people have certain preferences, those preferences are stable, they only think about the present rather than look to the future's outcomes and most of those outcomes are risky and ambiguous. Sometimes, people may act irrationally, prohibiting the rational choice approach because of it being a cause of a sensitive time of their life or a sudden adjustment to their everyday life. McCarthy also brings up that the rational choice theory proposes everyday expenses and costs will influence people to offend. The rational choice theory presumes that the risk attitude of offenders are not grounded in reality. Overall, criminals do choose to make poor choices but it is those choices that are surrounded by emotions and

opinionated to everything that comes to mind and sight In the book, "Adventures in the

This week’s reading Predictably Irrational was very valuable, and informative. While coming up with so many ways of thinking when it comes to behavior, I had no idea even existed. We talked last week about being rational, but this week and this week’s reading it discussed more about irrational, and predictable behavior. At the end of this summary I hope to have showed and understand the difference when it comes to irrational and predictable theories that can disrupt behavior, and decision making.

He thought, “why I loved one girl but not another, why my daily routine was comfortable for the physicians but not for me” (xiii). These irrational thoughts running through his mind led to a greater understanding of the economics behind making predictable choices/decisions. Furthermore, Ariely wrote this book in order to prove the idea that the “rational” choices we make on an everyday basis are actually “predictably irrational”. The discipline that allows Ariely to challenge the way we think is called “behavioral economics.” According to Ariely the latter, “draws on aspects of both psychology and economics” (xviii). Ariely accumulated a fascination for behavioral economics. He said, “I became engrossed with the idea that we repeatedly and predictably make the wrong decisions in many aspects of our lives and that research could help change some of these patterns” Through this quote, we begin to review Ariely’s economic journey through various psychological experiments that tested the decision-making process of many young

There are limits of rationality. “Rationality” goes hand and hand with “reason”. James Rachels, The Limits of Rationality, suggests that rationality is based off your full understanding of a subject. If you don’t fully understand the subject, how are you able to make a rational decision. In the reading, Rachels talks about how we are quick to judge based on the surface. Once you dig deeper, you fully think it over, you are more likely to have a greater view or understanding. The limits of rationality, are us as human beings, we are always able to question others, as if, our opinions or beliefs are greater. Then we hear them out and begin to process their beliefs and come to an understanding. We may not always agree with their views but that’s

As applied to the criminal law, it states that in many situations, the reason that people commit a crime is because they have chosen to which is known as “Rational choice theory”. This where people have the intent to commit a crime, and follow through on that crime. The motive for committing the crime has much to do with the advantages of what one will gain. For example; a suspect breaks into a store to steal food because there kids are starving and there’s no money to feed them. Another example is where you help a spouse, or family member get illegal prescription drugs because they are really sick or in pain and you feel the last resort is to steal it for them, not because you want it for your own personal gain but to help the situation. The

Rational-choice perspective was developed by Ronald Clarke and Derek Cornish, it states that everyone can make a decision to commit or not commit crimes. After reviewing the pros and cons of an action and fully understanding the consequences, a person can make a valid decision. Everyone takes into consideration the risks that they will face when proposing the action. People generally choose the best course of action to suit their needs (Adler, 2012).

The Rational Choice Theory deals with crime in regard to the individual in that they decide that committing the crime is more gratifying. The individual feels that the offense they committed is easier than putting in the work than doing it legally. They feel that the reward is worth the risk. 5.) An example of Rational Choice Theory would be one dealing with child support.

Rationalism promotes the role of a priori truths. An example of rationalism is found in mathematics, ethics, logic, and metaphysics. Rationalism is based of the idea that in order for something to be true, it must be proven true. Weaknesses of Rationalism would be to rely everything on Rationalism and cannot always be used in practical use. One might separate themselves from reality if they rely on Rationalism. A person will becomes alienated from society because not all things can be proven true through. One cannot prove what’s real and what’s not; it is based on someone’s point of view. Rationalism cannot always be used in a practical use. A person would not be able to use rationalism in our everyday lives. Rationalism teaches us humans that

Rational choice theory makes the assumption that people are rational, and therefore they will make rational decisions. This theory suggests that when making a decision, people will take into account incentives and benefits, versus the risks, such as punishments. If the risk outweighs the benefit, then rational choice theory

Rational choice theory states that people always make logical decisions. Those decisions give people great satisfaction. This theory has the idea that all people base their choices on rational predictions, and act rationally.

Empiricism is based from sensory experience and observed facts. This view emphasizes that “scientific knowledge can be derived only from sensory experience” (Alligood, 2014, p. 15). Examples of sensory experience are seeing, feeling and hearing facts. This approach is labeled the research-then-theory strategy. An example that Alligood provides is that “formulating a differential diagnosis requires collecting the facts and then devising a list of possible theories to explain the facts” (2014, p. 16). Empiricists believe that reason alone does not give knowledge (Markie, 2017).

Rationality is not an easy concept to understand. By definition rationality is the, “recognition of ends and mean” (Above the Bottom Line 3rd Edition, 2004, p. 211). Rationality begins with a capability to mirror and understand, weigh options and distinguish the absolute