Hamlet and Rational Choice

Abstract A standard interpretation of the character Hamlet is that he indecisive, even pathologically so, and his indecisiveness manifested by lengthy passage time between when told father’s death was a murder kills perpetrator. Rational choice in economics concerns connection means ends. person rational if, given her ends (her goals), she chooses reasonable to achieve those With uncertainty, bad (or tragic) outcome can occur best decision taken. approach achieving one’s goal does not imply attained. In Shakespeare’s , fact most main characters, including Hamlet, meet untimely deaths is, therefore, sufficient conclude any other character) engages less-than-rational behavior. This article examines Hamlet’s actions through lens choice. delay seeking revenge, combined with interest collecting more evidence alleged assailant’s guilt, comports well economic rationality. The common view as someone who incorrectly substitutes deliberation for action, unwarranted.