Why Is Political Theory Also Termed As Theoretical Political Science? – Political theory and theoretical political science are terms often used interchangeably because both fields engage in the systematic study and analysis of political concepts, systems, and behavior. However, there are nuances and historical contexts that explain why political theory can also be referred to as theoretical political science.
Important FOR SOLVED PDF & Notes
WhatsApp – 8130208920
Nature of Inquiry: Both political theory and theoretical political science involve abstract and normative questions about politics. They delve into fundamental questions about justice, rights, equality, democracy, and the nature of political authority. This makes them more theoretical compared to empirical political science, which focuses on observing and measuring political behavior and systems. Why Is Political Theory Also Termed As Theoretical Political Science?
Historical Development: The term “political theory” has deep roots in the history of political thought, dating back to ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who sought to understand the ideal state and the nature of political life. Over time, as the study of politics became more structured and scientific, the discipline of political science emerged, encompassing both empirical and theoretical aspects. Theoretical political science, therefore, became a branch within political science that continues the tradition of political theory but under a more modern, scientific framework.
Methodological Approaches: Political theory often uses philosophical and normative analysis to explore ideas and principles. Theoretical political science, while still dealing with abstract concepts, can also incorporate formal models, logical reasoning, and even interdisciplinary methods, making it a broader and sometimes more analytically rigorous approach.
Academic Disciplinary Evolution: In academic contexts, political science departments may include subfields such as comparative politics, international relations, and political theory. Here, theoretical political science is a term that aligns political theory more explicitly with the broader scientific study of politics, emphasizing that it is not only about normative theorizing but also about systematic analysis and critical examination.
Terminological Precision: Using the term “theoretical political science” can help clarify the distinction between normative theory (what ought to be) and empirical research (what is). This distinction is important in academic settings to differentiate between theoretical frameworks and empirical data-driven studies.
Contents
What is political theory?
Why Is Political Theory Also Termed As Theoretical Political Science? – Political theory is a branch of political science that deals with ideas, principles, and the philosophical underpinnings of politics and government. It involves the systematic study and interpretation of political concepts such as justice, power, authority, democracy, liberty, equality, and rights. Political theory aims to understand and critically examine the nature and purpose of political institutions and practices, and it often involves normative analysis, proposing ideals and standards for political arrangements.
Key components of political theory include
Classical Political Theory: Examines the ideas of ancient and medieval thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, and Aquinas. It focuses on foundational questions about the nature of the state, citizenship, and the best forms of government.
Modern Political Theory: Deals with the ideas of thinkers from the Renaissance to the 19th century, such as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Mill. It addresses the emergence of modern state institutions, individual rights, and the social contract.
Contemporary Political Theory: Engages with 20th and 21st-century political thought, including theories of democracy, justice, and globalization. Thinkers like Rawls, Foucault, Habermas, and Arendt are central to contemporary discussions.
Normative Political Theory: Focuses on what ought to be rather than what is. It is prescriptive, offering visions of a just society and moral guidelines for political action.
Empirical Political Theory: While political theory is generally more philosophical, it can also include empirical analysis, studying how political concepts and theories manifest in real-world political systems and behaviors.
Critical Theory: Involves the critique of society and culture, aiming to reveal and challenge power structures. It includes perspectives like Marxism, feminism.
WhatsApp – 8130208920
What are political theories called?
Political theories are often referred to by various names depending on their scope, focus, and underlying principles. Some common terms used to describe political theories include.
Political Ideologies: Broad systems of thought that offer interpretations of political, social, and economic arrangements. Examples include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and fascism.
Political Philosophies: These are more abstract and foundational theories about the nature of politics, governance, justice, rights, and the role of the state. Examples include the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, John Locke, Karl Marx, and John Rawls.
Political Doctrines: Specific sets of principles or beliefs advocated by political parties or movements. Examples include neoliberalism, neoconservatism, and Marxism-Leninism.