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Political Theory
Political Philosophy (UAPHI-402)
University of Mumbai
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What is Political Theory? A rather comprehensive definition has been given by Gould and Kolb who defined political theory as a 'sub-field of political science which includes: (i) political philosophy - a moral theory of politics and a historical study of political ideas, (ii) a scientific criterion, (iii) a linguistic analysis of political ideas, (iv) the discovery and systematic development of generalisations about political behaviour'. We can conclude that political theory is concerned basically with the study of the phenomenon of the state both in philosophy as well as empirical terms. An attempt is made to provide explanations, descriptions and prescriptions regarding the state and political institutions. Also of course there is an underlying theme of studying the moral philosophical purpose. The thinker Weinstein had put it very succinctly when he had suggested that political theory is basically an activity, which involves posing questions, developing responses to those questions and creating imaginative perspectives on the public life of human beings. the questions that are asked are like what is the nature and purpose of the state and why should we prefer one form of state over another; how do we judge the ends, aims and methods of political organisation; what is and should be the relationship between the state and the individual. Through out history political theory has been answering these questions. It has been regarded as important because the fate of man is dependent on the kind of system of rulers and the ruled that is achieved and whether it leads to united action for the common good. Political Theory and Political Science Political Science is a comprehensive subject or field of study of which political theory is only a sub-field. Political Science includes everything: political thought, political theory, political philosophy, political ideology, institutional or structural framework, comparative politics, public administration, international law and organisation etc. Some thinkers have stressed on the science aspect of political science and they suggest when political science is studied as a science with scientific methods political theory to the extent it is a part of political philosophy can not be regarded as political science because whereas there is no room for abstract intuitive conclusions or speculations in political science, political philosophy relies on exactly those un-exact methods. Political theory is neither pure thought, nor pure philosophy, nor pure science. Some Basic Characteristic of Political Theory 1. A political theory is generally the creation on individual thinker based on his moral and intellectual position and when propounding his theory he is looking explain the events, phenomenon and the mysteries generally of mankind's political life. The theory may or may not be accepted as true but it always can be regarded as one more theory. Generally we find the political theory of an individual thinker is put forward in a classic work y the thinker like Plato did in his Republic or Rawl in A Theory of Justice. 2. A political theory attempts to provide explanations on questions relating to mankind, the societies he formed and history and historical events generally. It also suggests ways of resolving conflicts and sometimes even advocates revolutions. There are also often predictions made about the future. 3. Political theory thus is also sometimes not only providing explanations and predictions but also sometimes actively influencing and participating in historical events particularly when they propose political action of a particular kind and that line of action is widely adopted. The great positive liberal thinker Harold Laski had commented that the task of political theorists is not merely of description but also of prescription on what ought to be. 4. Political theory is also usually discipline based and thought he subject of study remains the same the theorist might be a philosopher, historian, economist, theologian or a sociologist etc. 5. Political theories are often also the basis for a whole ideology. The liberal theories became the basis for liberalism and Marx's theory became the basis for Marxian socialist prosperity and to allow the circumstances for individual self-realisation. So to facilitate the unity and integrity of human societies or the collective needs of society political theory becomes important it tries to study and find solutions to problems in this process. The relevance lies in evolving various approaches regarding the nature and purpose of the state, the basis of political authority and the best form of government to practice, relations between the state and the individual in the context of his basic rights. Apart from this political theory also seeks to establish the moral criterion for judging the ethical worth of a political state and to suggest alternative political arrangements and practices. To sum up in brief the relevance of political theory lies in the following: (a) In providing an explanation and description of political phenomenon (b) helping select the political goals and actions for a community and (c) helps in providing the basis for making moral judgments.
Political Theory
Course: Political Philosophy (UAPHI-402)
University: University of Mumbai
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