The aim of the book is to reevaluate the inner dynamics and tensions between individuals who are active in the political process as members of interest groups. To that end, the author creates a model for their individual calculus, preferences and motivations that manifest in observable behavior. It is done by analyzing individuals in the society according to increasing complexity of interaction. The analysis starts with ethical concerns of single individuals and moves towards their capacities as citizens, voters and politicians. Then, aspects of the social contract theory and uncertainty that goes with societal cooperation, are addressed. A public choice interdisciplinary approach as well as elements of constitutional economy, political philosophy and ethics come together to question the understanding of the way individuals and interest groups operate in the political context due to serious inconsistencies of interest within the latter.
In the book, the author creates a model for the intensity of moral and economic factors that impact individual calculus and behavior of members of interest groups who are active in the political process. An interdisciplinary public choice approach is used to address serious inconsistencies of interest within such groups.
Chapter
1. Ethics and self-interest in the writings of
James M. Buchanan and its philosophical implications for
human behavior
Chapter
2. Individual citizens as voters and politicians
Chapter
3. Social contract and the grounds for the
emergence of interest groups
Chapter
4. Uncertainty behind social contracts
Chapter
5. Individual calculus of interest group members
Chapter
6. Factoring group interests and private calculus
into political processes
Benedykt Olszewski, PhD, holds several university diplomas in the field of philosophy, economy, EU policy, philology and linguistics. He was a member of the cabinet of a Committee Chair at the European Parliament in Brussels. His research interests focus on constitutional economy, behavior of individuals in society and interest groups.
