Alexander Styhre's new book, " A Pragmatist Theory of Economic Reason" critically examines the concept of rationality, a central theme in economics and management theory, through the lens of an analytical philosophy framework.
Styhre advocates for rationality to be grounded in practical reason, emphasizing the shared capacity to use language as a means of expressing ideas, beliefs and propositional attitudes. He explores the key theories used in the curriculums and research within business schools, demonstrating that our understanding of rationality within these concepts needs to be understood in holistic terms. He argues that business schools should focus on developing theories of rationality that comprise of logically consistent and plausible content, instead of depending solely on the conventional assumption that such claims are authoritative due to empirical evidence. The book ultimately formulates a more logically consistent theory of agency, premised on the idea of rationality.

Academics in management studies, the economics of education, sociology and sociological theory will greatly benefit from this compelling book. It is also an essential resource for policymakers, practitioners and consultants in management and organization, particularly pertaining to universities.

Contents

Preface

PART I THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVES
1. The concept of meaning as the basis for a theory of economic
rationality
2. The analytical philosophy view of the concept of meaning

PART II EMPIRICAL STUDIES
3. The theory of economic rationality is not a universal theory
of rationality: understanding economic reason
4. Judgement as the basis for institutional logics: theorizing
practical reason in institutional fields
5. What are the intentions in bounded rationality theory?
6. Theorizing and its justification in scholarly work: the role of
de dicto and de re claims

PART III THEORETICAL IMPLICATIONS
7. Practical reason and theories of economic rationality
References