Liberalism, Self-interest and Precommitment: Critical Notice: Passions and Constraint: On the Theory of Liberal Democracy by Stephen Holmes
1996 ◽
Vol 9
(2)
◽
pp. 383-395
Keyword(s):
Human reason is frequently frustrated. Efforts to act rationally—leave aside the fact that human beings are sometimes deliberately irrational—can be thwarted by a variety of obstacles and limitations. The fact that rationality often proves elusive ensures, among other things, that rationally-motivated courses of action sometimes have counter-productive consequences. Attempts to make certain goods and activities seem unattractive may lead people to be attracted to them. Endeavours to legislate in the public interest can sometimes make things worse for intended beneficiaries. Efforts at rational action, in short, can backfire.