A critique of fuzzy rational choice models

The rational choice model developed for economics has been adopted by the political science communtity. Unfortunately the rational choice model does not seem to be as applicable to political situations as it is to economic situations. Reasonable models lead to undesirable conclusions, as exemplified by Arrows theorem, which uses for reasonable axioms to conclude that dictatorship is inevitable. Of course, the axioms used have come under comprehensive analysis, and weaknesses have been shown, however, none of the axioms are blatantly unrealistic. Most are quite reasonable. Researchers have tried using fuzzy rational choice functions to get around Arrow, to produce a model of choice that is reasonable but non-dictatorial. However, the methodology used is often straightforward fuzzification of crisp concepts. This paper argues that these concepts really do not translate as well as one would like.