Classical and Liberal Perspectives on Political Theory

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Questions and Answers

What is a distinctive trait of political ideology?

Its rejection of value-judgment

Its dogmatism (correct)

Its emphasis on critical appraisal

Its ability to realize the perfect society

Which of the following is a function of political philosophy?

Formulation of political ideologies

Description

Development of empirical methods

Criticism and reconstruction (correct)

What is the primary method used by political science?

Deductive method

Analytical method

Empirical method (correct)

Speculative method

What is the primary focus of Unit 3 in the book Political Theory?

Contemporary liberalism including perspectives of John Rawls and Robert Nozick Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the revival of political philosophy in the 1970s and 1980s?

Post-behaviouralism Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophical movement advocated for the exclusion of value-judgments from political theory?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of political ideology?

To realize the perfect society Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a limitation of the classical tradition of political theory?

Its failure to consider contemporary political issues Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of Positivism in political theory?

To develop a scientific approach to political theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Unit 4 in the book Political Theory?

Marxist approach to political theory Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of value-judgment in political theory?

It serves as an essential guide to social policy Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Behaviouralism in political theory?

To examine the behaviour of individuals and groups in political processes Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Positivism and Logical Positivism?

Positivism is more focused on the scientific approach, while Logical Positivism is more focused on the role of logic Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of political ideology?

It is based on subjective, unverifiable value preferences Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of Liberalism in political theory?

To promote individual freedom and rights Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the 'Debate on the Decline/Revival' of Political Theory?

The decline of classical tradition of political theory Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers is associated with the classical tradition?

Plato Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Marxist political theory?

Focusing on social change and revolutionary reconstitution of society Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary impact of the Renaissance on political theory?

It gave birth to modern science and modern philosophy Signup and view all the answers

What is the central theme of liberal political theory?

Individualism Signup and view all the answers

According to the classical tradition, what is the primary focus of political theory?

Probing into issues and serving as a conscience keeper of politics Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of liberal political theory?

Belief in the natural institution of the state Signup and view all the answers

What is the belief of liberal political theory regarding the state?

The state comes into existence by mutual consent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of classical political theory?

Consideration of the moral development of individual and the evolution of the community as co-terminus Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classical Tradition of Political Theory

Concerned with probing into issues, asking important questions, and serving as a conscience keeper of politics
Believed that political theory deals with the political whole and must be all-comprehensive and all-inclusive

Liberal Perspective

Emerged after the Renaissance and Reformation in Europe in the 15th century
Found classical expression in the writings of Grotius, Hobbes, Locke, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Jeremy Bentham, J.S.Mill, and Herbert Spencer
Focuses on individualism, considering the state as not a natural institution but created by mutual consent for individual rights protection
Dismisses the idea of common good and an organic community

Marxist Perspective

Focuses on social change and revolutionary reconstitution of society
Consists of three interrelated elements: examination and critique of past and present societies

Features of the Book "Political Theory"

Written in a self-instructional format
Divided into four units
Each unit begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by unit objectives, content, and check your progress questions
Includes a list of questions and exercises, as well as a summary and key terms section
Aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of political theory

Structure of Unit 1

Introduction
Unit objectives
Introduction to political theory
Evolution of political theory
Meaning of political theory
Nature and scope
Traditional and contemporary perspectives
Classical tradition of political theory
Limitations of classical tradition
Traditional approaches to political theory
Moves towards a science of politics: positivism and logical positivism
Behaviouralism and post-behaviouralism: an overview
Debate on the ‘decline’/‘revival’ of political theory
Summary
Key terms
Answers to ‘check your progress’
Questions and exercises
Further reading

Political Theory

A very wide and comprehensive subject
Involves political science and political philosophy
Performs three functions: description, criticism, and reconstruction
Political science relies on empirical method and specializes in description
Political philosophy involves value-judgment and specializes in criticism and reconstruction

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Description

This quiz explores the classical and liberal traditions in political theory, including their focus on probing issues, serving as a conscience keeper, and understanding the political whole.