International workshop
Sociology and Political Science in dialogue on Rational Choice Theory and Applications
Co-organized by
Graduate School in Social and Political Sciences, University of Milan
PhD Programme in Sociology and Political Studies, University of Turin
Collegio Carlo Alberto, Moncalieri, Torino
Sponsored by the International Sociological Association (RC45)
with the support of Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo
Venue: Collegio Carlo Alberto, Moncalieri (Turin, Italy)
Date: September 19-21 2013
Dowload the CfA and Leaflet here ad pdf file
Rational Actor approaches have enjoyed increasing interest both in sociology and in political science, thanks to recent theoretical and empirical developments. Experimental research has been largely encouraged by this approach and common theoretical perspectives have been shared in different disciplines of human behaviour and decision making. At the same time the concept of rationality has evolved in order to adhere to actual decisions of individual people, groups and collective behaviour. Models of rational actor have become softer and more complex. Relations between instrumental rationality and sentiments, selfishness and altruism, game theoretic assumption and cultural conditions have been experimentally checked, often bringing counter intuitive and even paradoxical results.
The aim of the conference is that of making scholars of both disciplines meet and discuss their approaches with the idea that a comparison between sociology and political science on the advancement of cutting g edge research activities can open new perspectives, suggest future research and be of mutual benefit for both.
The international workshop is devoted to PhD students and young researchers
Organization of the workshop:
1. September the 19th evening, welcome dinner
2. Friday the 20th morning: Opening session with a double presentation:
- Hanno Scholtz, University of Konstanz, chairman of the International Sociological Assocaition RC45 on Rational Choice will talk on
"Rational choice theory in sociology: Applying a rational choice theory of debates and references"
- Iain McLean, professor of political Science, Nuffield College, University of Oxford will talk on
"Rational choice theory in political science: from guerrilla movement to normal science"?
- Discussion of the presentations
3. Friday the 20th afternoon: presentation of six selected papers and discussion with appointed discussants
4. Saturday the 21st morning: presentation of five selected papers and discussion with appointed discussants
(Discussants: Filippo Barbera (University of Turin, Italy), Antonio M. Jaime-Castillo (University of Malaga, Spain), Antonio Chiesi (University of Milan, Italy), Fabio Franchino (University of Milan, Italy), Iain McLean (University of Oxford, England), Hanno Scholtz (University of Konstanz, Switzerland).
Sessions 3 and 4 will be devoted to the presentation (20 minutes each) and discussion (15 minutes) of papers collected through a public call and selected by a panel of sociologists and political scientists within the ISA Research Committee n. 45.
Each paper is distributed in advance to the appointed discussant and copies are made available to all participants.
Applications should be addressed to Dr. Paola Ghione ( This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) by May 31th, 2013.
Participants are asked to present a paper theoretical or empirical and will be selected according to:
1. the quality of their paper abstract (up to 500 words);
2. a brief CV (one page).
Notice of acceptance will be given by June 30th. Up to 12 participants will be admitted.
The workshop fee is 150 euro, which covers access to the workshop, coffee breaks and lunches, and accommodation in Turin. ISA members are exempted form fees.
Contributions to travel expenses are available for candidates from countries of cat. B and C of ISA.
Organizing Committee: Filippo Barbera (University of Turin, Italy), Antonio M. Jaime-Castillo (University of Malaga, Spain), Antonio Chiesi (University of Milan, Italy), Fabio Franchino (University of Milan, Italy), Yoshimichi Sato (Tohoku University, Japan), Hanno Scholtz (University of Konstanz, Switzerland), Rafael Wittek (University of Groningen, Netherlands).