Here are some of his major works, categorized by topic:
Rational Choice Theory and Game Theory:
* "Ulysses and the Sirens: Studies in Rationality and Irrationality" (1979): Explores the nature of rationality and its limitations, with a focus on self-control and the ability to resist temptation.
* "Sour Grapes: Studies in the Subversion of Rationality" (1983): Examines how people adapt their preferences to circumstances, leading to irrationality and the devaluation of unattainable goals.
* "The Cement of Society: A Study of Social Order" (1989): Analyzes the role of rationality, norms, and sanctions in maintaining social order.
* "Nuts and Bolts for the Social Sciences" (1989): Offers a methodological framework for applying rational choice theory to various social phenomena.
* "Local Justice: How Institutions Allocate Social Goods" (2000): Applies game theory and rational choice to understand the distribution of social goods.
Social Theory and the Philosophy of the Social Sciences:
* "Making Sense of Marx" (1985): Provides a critical analysis of Marx's theory of history and capitalism.
* "Political Psychology" (1993): Explores the role of psychological factors in political decision-making.
* "Strong Feelings: Emotion, Addiction, and Human Behavior" (1999): Analyzes the role of emotions and addiction in human behavior.
* "Altruism and Its Enemies" (2007): Examines the origins and motivations behind altruistic behavior.
* "Securities and Sustainability: The Role of Institutions in the Governance of Complex Systems" (2014): Explores the complex interplay between security, sustainability, and institutions.
Other Works:
* "The Case for a Social Science of Politics" (2013): Argues for a more scientific approach to political analysis.
* "A Plea for Realism in Political Science" (2016): Advocates for a more realistic and empirical approach to understanding political phenomena.
Jan Elster has also written numerous articles and essays on various topics within the social sciences, such as:
* The role of emotions in politics
* The nature of justice
* The causes of violence and conflict
* The dynamics of social change
His work has been influential in shaping contemporary social science and political philosophy.