Social Choice Theory (Political Science)

The term Social Choice Theory (SCT) refers not to any one theory, but to a body of theories which try to make sense of how a group of people (a “society”) decide the answers to questions which are important to the entire group.  SCT is usually cast in the framework of politics or economics though the theories often can be used in a variety of areas.  Furthermore, many of the theories can when taken in aggregate be contradictory.  SCT has the reputation of being rather complicated, even for those who work in the area.