Raymond Boudon posits that methodological individualism (hereafter, MI) is an explanatory framework characterized by two integral components: a micro-level analysis centered around rationality (where rationality does not mean necessarily that action must be explained in utilitarian terms) and a macro-level analysis focused on unintended aggregation effects. According to Boudon, this explanatory model aligns with the research practices employed by major social scientists who made substantial scientific contributions. This study unfolds in two parts. The initial segment (the first four sections) delves into a more comprehensive understanding of Boudon's MI by examining its relationship with key themes in social methodology. These themes include the demarcation between scientific and ideologically oriented explanations, the ontology of collective concepts, various forms of rationality, essential aspects of a comprehensive sociological approach, and the discourse surrounding explanations, deductive-nomological models, and mechanisms.

The analysis in the first part of this study serves as a foundation for comprehending its second part. The latter, encompassing the last two sections, delves into Boudon's quest to validate the explanatory prowess of MI. Boudon scrutinizes the history of sociology, seeking evidence of implicit applications of MI with paradigmatic significance due to their prominence.

According to Boudon, the historical trajectory of sociology attests to MI's capacity to elucidate a diverse range of crucial social phenomena, including social change, ideology, false beliefs, and moral sentiments—issues often traditionally explained through holism or methodological collectivism. Boudon contends that MI found application as an explanatory tool even among classical authors who either failed to articulate the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of their empirical accounts of the social realm or overtly embraced holism without practical implementation.

This study zeroes in on Boudon's analysis of the implicit methodology employed by Tocqueville, whom he regards as one of the pioneering individualist sociologists. Additionally, the study examines Durkheim, highlighting the paradox between his methodological claims and the actual provision of an individualist account of magic and other social phenomena.

Boudon and the Cognitive Function of the Social Sciences

To grasp Boundon's conception of MI, it is essential to delve into his perspective on the nature and objectives of scientific social research. According to Boudon (1993, 4), social sciences have historically served three primary functions.