Keywords
rational choice
voting
idealisation
concretisation
How to Cite
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to analyse the transition from Anthony Downs’ rational choice theory of voting, which significantly simplifies the characteristics and motivations of voters, to its main developments – more detailed theories that more accurately reflect reality. Downs assumed that rational voters act in their self-interest when deciding whether to vote or abstain. However, this perspective oversimplifies the characteristics and motivations of individual voters, and therefore there is a need to bring the theory closer to the observed facts. This paper examines the main extensions of Downs’ theory, focusing on their structure and significance for theoretical reflection on rational voting. A separate section discusses the methodological approach that allows researchers to move from Downs’ theory to more complex theories based on models with greater explanatory potential.
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