IGNOU MPS-001 Important Questions with answers- MPS-001: Political Theory is the cornerstone course for the Master of Arts (Political Science) program at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Encompassing 8 credits, it offers a comprehensive exploration of the core concepts, thinkers, and debates that have shaped the realm of political thought throughout history. IGNOU MPS-001 Important Questions with answers English Medium
Course Structure
- Unit 1: Introduction to Political Theory: This unit lays the foundation by defining political theory, its scope, and its relevance to contemporary society. You’ll encounter thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Machiavelli, grappling with fundamental questions about power, justice, and the ideal state.
- Unit 2: Classical and Medieval Political Thought: This unit delves deeper into the rich tapestry of Western political thought, exploring the works of classical thinkers like Plato and Aristotle, medieval philosophers like Aquinas, and early modern thinkers like Hobbes and Locke. You’ll analyze their ideas on sovereignty, citizenship, and the nature of law.
- Unit 3: Modern and Contemporary Political Thought: This unit brings you face-to-face with the intellectual revolutions of the modern era, examining the works of thinkers like Rousseau, Marx, Weber, and Rawls. You’ll grapple with concepts like liberalism, socialism, feminism, and postcolonialism, understanding their impact on contemporary political discourse.
- Unit 4: Non-Western Political Thought: Expanding your horizons, this unit explores diverse political traditions beyond the West. You’ll engage with thinkers from Confucian China, Hindu India, Islamic political thought, and African political philosophy, gaining insights into alternative perspectives on power, justice, and the good society. IGNOU MPS-001 Important Questions with answers
Q1. What is the nature and scope of political violence?
- Motivation: At its core, political violence aims to achieve political goals. These goals can vary widely, from acquiring power and resources to influencing policy decisions, challenging an existing regime, or achieving territorial control.
- Actors: Both state and non-state actors can engage in political violence. States often use violence against internal or external threats, while non-state actors like rebels, militias, and terrorist groups use violence to influence governments or public opinion. IGNOU MPS-001 Important Questions with answers
- Forms: Political violence manifests in various forms, ranging from low-level threats and intimidation to armed conflict, assassination, terrorism, and even genocide. The level of violence and targets (civilians vs. combatants) can vary significantly.
- Legitimacy: The perception of legitimacy plays a crucial role. State violence might be perceived as legitimate through legal frameworks and social constructs, while non-state violence is often viewed as illegitimate. However, these perceptions can shift depending on historical context, public opinion, and the nature of the violence itself. IGNOU MPS-001 Important Questions with answers
Scope
- Prevalence: Political violence is pervasive throughout history and across the globe. Studies suggest that most countries experience some form of political violence at some point.
- Impact: The impact of political violence is devastating, causing human suffering, loss of life, economic disruption, and political instability. It can leave lasting scars on societies and hinder development.
- Complexity: The causes and consequences of political violence are complex and interconnected. Factors like poverty, inequality, political repression, ethnic tensions, and ideological conflicts all play a role.
- Dynamics: Political violence is not static. Its forms, actors, and targets can evolve over time, adapting to changing political landscapes and technological advancements.
Understanding the nature and scope of political violence requires acknowledging its complexity and avoiding simplistic definitions. It’s crucial to analyze the specific context, motivations, and dynamics of each situation to understand its deeper causes and potential consequences.
Q2.How do the problems of political integration produce violence in modern society?
Q3. Why does economic development cause political violence?
Q4. What are the general causes of political violence?
Q5. Discuss briefly the role of economic conditions in the rise of political violence.
Q6. Bring out the main features of terrorist violence.
Q7. Briefly discuss the nature of military involvement in political violence.
Q8. Write a short note on war as a form of political violence.
Q9. Write a note on the theories of revolution.
Q10. What is the liberal method of overcoming political violence?
Q11. Bring out the essence of the key concepts frequently used in the Realist framework. What purpose do they serve?
Q12. What are the different theoretical approaches to Regionalism? Explain.
Q13. Discuss the evolution of non –proliferation of nuclear weapons in the post cold war era.
Q14. Briefly explain the motives and the methods adopted by the terrorist to perpetuate violence.
Q15. Discuss the importance of satyagraha as a method of conflict resolution.
Q16. What is satyagraha? In what way does it differ from passive resistance?
Q17. What is the relevance of satyagraha and civil disobedience in the contemporary world?
Q18.What is Gandhi’s contribution to the theory and practice of satyagraha?
Q19. What are the various dimensions of the Gandhian concept of satyagraha?
Q20. Analyse briefly the theory of overloaded government in relation to legitimation and obligation.