bounded rationality

Bounded Rationality

The theory that humans attempt to make rational decisions, but their ability to do so is limited by knowledge, ability to know, inadequate time to consider and other factors. Bounded rationality may explain situations like panic buying, in which investors continue to buy a security long after it ceases to be rational to do so. Investors may believe the price for the security may continue to rise and may not believe they have enough time to find out for certain. Bounded rationality claims people aim for rationality but cannot be reasonable all the time. See also: Behavioral economics.

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bounded rationality

limits on the capabilities of people to deal with complexity, process information and pursue rational aims. Bounded rationality prevents parties to a CONTRACT from contemplating or enumerating every contingency that might arise during a TRANSACTION, so preventing them from writing complete contracts.

Collins Dictionary of Economics, 4th ed. © C. Pass, B. Lowes, L. Davies 2005