Foundationalism vs Anti-foundationalism

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main focuses of political machines as outlined in the content?

Economic growth and public policy analysis

Voter education and advocacy for civil rights

Theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence

Direct delivery of goods and services and mobilization of constituencies (correct)

Which characteristic is highlighted as essential for behavioralism?

Focus on theoretical speculation

Commitment to observable behavior (correct)

In-depth case studies for understanding

Emphasis on historical context

What does Popper’s logic of falsifiability emphasize in scientific inquiry?

The absolute truth of empirical observations

The reliance on anecdotal evidence

The indifference to observational data

The possibility of disproving theories through testing (correct)

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good empirical theory?

Subjective interpretation Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is mentioned regarding empirical theory?

It assumes a complete independence of theory and observation Signup and view all the answers

Which statement aligns with the core assumptions of Rational Choice Theory?

Individuals are capable of making highly rational decisions considering available information Signup and view all the answers

What does 'operationalization' refer to in the context of behavioralism?

Creating measurable and testable definitions for concepts Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized regarding the commitment of behavioralism towards empirical evidence?

Systematic and comprehensive use of empirical evidence Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes foundationalism from anti-foundationalism?

Foundationalism supports the existence of objective truths. Signup and view all the answers

In terms of political systems, what are the primary outputs identified within the structure-functional approach?

Regulation of behavior and symbolic actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of capabilities functions within political systems?

They relate to the system's total function in relation to others. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'double hermeneutic' refer to in a hermeneutic epistemology?

The simultaneous observation and interpretation of social behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes dysfunctional inputs in political systems?

Inputs that can instigate changes in the political structure. Signup and view all the answers

What role do political machines play in the context of political inputs?

They influence electoral outcomes through benefit distribution. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of conversion function in political systems?

Political recruitment Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of scientific epistemology in social sciences?

Understanding social phenomena through empirical evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes self-interest in decision-making?

Maximization of gains coupled with minimization of costs for the individual alone Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of equilibrium in game theory?

No player can increase their payoff by changing strategy if others do not change theirs Signup and view all the answers

What do coordination problems primarily highlight?

The difficulty in achieving optimal group outcomes due to individual incentives Signup and view all the answers

How do ‘selective incentives’ function in solving collective action problems?

They reward or punish individual contributions to encourage participation Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes privileged groups in the context of collective goods?

At least one member is willing to cover the entire cost of the collective good, regardless of others' contributions Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect does bounded rationality emphasize in decision-making?

The impact of cognitive biases and patterns on decision-making processes Signup and view all the answers

What typically prevents latent groups from achieving collective goods?

The lack of noticeable effects from any single individual's actions Signup and view all the answers

What is a common outcome when individuals face coordination problems?

Optimal outcomes may not occur despite a willingness to cooperate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the logic of consequences in rational decision-making?

Anticipating preferred future consequences Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect is emphasized by the logic of appropriateness?

Shared norms and identity within organizations Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes traditional institutionalism in political science?

It posits that formal structures determine political behavior Signup and view all the answers

What kind of institutions did Huntington describe in his 1965 work?

Stable, valued, recurring patterns of behavior Signup and view all the answers

What does political institutionalization emphasize according to Kamrava (2000)?

Authority established through political structures Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of new institutionalisms?

Reduction in normative considerations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the term 'social mobilization' in relation to political institutionalization?

It reflects high civic engagement Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'holistic' refer to in traditional institutionalism?

Describing and comparing whole systems of government Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes institutional rules?

They are collective and recognized by actors. Signup and view all the answers

How do economic institutions influence behavior?

Through norms and conventions governing access to opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about political institutions is true?

They address informal aspects of how authoritative decisions are made. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes institutions from organizations?

Organizations promote a mix of individual and shared interests. Signup and view all the answers

What are the modes of institutional constraint?

Rules, practices, narratives. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT contribute to institutional change?

Inertia and resistance to change. Signup and view all the answers

What role does institutional persistence play in social behavior?

It shapes values and frames policy choices over time. Signup and view all the answers

How do institutions embody values and power?

By shaping ideas, interests, and beliefs in society. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Broad Ontological Positions

Foundationalism posits the existence of a real world independent of our knowledge, with objective, absolute, and unconditional truths.
Anti-foundationalism argues that realities are local and specific, constructed through the interactions of agents and structures.

Broad Epistemological Positions

Scientific approach uses an empiricist tradition, viewing social science as analogous to natural science. Focuses on identifying causes of social behavior and emphasizes explanation through an objective, detached observer.
Hermeneutic approach emphasizes the meaning of behavior, recognizing that social science is not analogous to natural science. Focuses on understanding with an observer involved in what is being observed.

Structure Functionalism as an Approach to Politics

A tool for comparing political systems by analyzing their political structures and functions.
Assumes all political systems perform similar functions, regardless of their specific structure.

The Political System

Inputs: Demands for goods and services, regulation of behavior, political participation, and symbolic inputs.
Supports: Material resources, obedience to laws, participation, deference to authority, symbols, and ceremonials.
Outputs: Extractions, regulations of behavior, allocations of goods and services, and symbols.

Types of Functions of Political Systems

Capabilities Functions: The system's functions in relation to its environment.
Conversion Functions: Functions internal to the system.
System Maintenance and Adaptation: Functions that ensure the system's survival and evolution.

Capabilities Functions

Extractive: Securing resources from the environment.
Regulative: Establishing and applying rules for behavior
Distributive: Distributing goods and services.
Symbolic: Creating and maintaining a shared understanding of values and beliefs.
Responsive: Reacting to demands and pressures from the environment.

Conversion Functions

Interest Articulation: Individuals and groups expressing their demands.
Interest Aggregation: Combining and channeling demands.
Political Communication: Transmitting information and opinions.
Rule-making: Creating and enacting new laws.
Rule-execution: Implementing and enforcing existing laws.
Rule-adjudication: Interpreting and applying laws.

System Maintenance and Adaptation

Political Recruitment: Identifying and selecting political leaders.
Political Socialization: Transmitting political values, beliefs, and norms.

Dysfunctional Inputs

Inputs that can cause changes in the political system.
Can vary in quantity, substance, intensity, source, and kind

Political Machines as Inputs

Specialized organizations that seek to influence electoral outcomes through benefits distribution to the electorate.
Often organized along familial or personal, clientelist lines.
Developmental Machinery: Political machines focused on delivering goods and services and mobilizing constituencies.

Behaviorism

Focuses on understanding why people behave the way they do.
Emphasizes observable behavior and explanations susceptible to empirical testing.
Commitment to systematic use of relevant empirical evidence and the logic of falsification.
Importance of operationalization.

Empirical Theory

A set of interconnected statements, including assumptions, definitions, and empirically testable hypotheses.
Purports to describe and explain the occurrence of a given phenomenon or set of phenomena.

Characteristics of a Good Empirical Theory

Internal Consistency: Statements should not contradict each other.
External Consistency: Should be consistent with other theories explaining related phenomena.
Predictive: Capable of generating testable predictions against observed data.

Criticisms of Behaviorism

Objections to the claim that statements which are neither definitions nor empirical are meaningless.
Tendency towards mindless empiricism, prioritizing data collection over theory.
Assumption of independence between theory and observation.

Rational Choice Theory

Assumes rational actors maximizing gains and minimizing costs, with unlimited cognitive capacity, complete information, and clear links between decisions and outcomes.
Focuses on understanding human behavior through self-interest and maximizing individual gain.
Equilibrium: A set of strategies where no player can gain by changing their strategy, given that others remain unchanged.

Coordination Problems

Individual incentives failing to produce optimal outcomes for the group, even if all members would be willing to contribute.
Free riders: Individuals benefitting from the collective good without contributing.

Solving Collective Action Problems

Latent Groups: No single individual's action affects others; require selective incentives for success.
Intermediate Groups: Individual contributions have a significant effect; depend on formal or informal coordination.
Privileged Groups: One member values the collective good enough to bear the full cost; no collective action problem arises.

Criticisms of Rational Choice Theory

Bounded Rationality: Individuals have limited cognitive capacity, incomplete information, and unclear links between decisions and outcomes.
Logic of Rationality
- Logic of Consequences (Substantial Rationality): Decisions are consequential based on anticipated outcomes.
- Logic of Appropriateness (Procedural Rationality): Decisions are appropriate based on shared understandings of the situation, organizational identity, and accepted rules.

Preoccupation with Institutions

Institutionalism dominated political science until the 1950s, known as Traditional Institutionalism.
A new interest in institutions emerged in the 1990s, leading to the New Institutionalisms.

Traditional Institutionalism

Normative: Concerned with 'good government'.
Structuralist: Positing that formal structures determine political behavior.
Historicist: Emphasizing the influence of history.
Legalist: Positing the major role of law in governance (especially constitutions).
Holistic: Focused on describing and comparing whole systems of government.

Political Development as Institutionalization

Political Development: The institutionalization of political organizations and procedures.
Institutions: Stable, valued, recurring patterns of behavior.
Institutionalization: Effective establishment of authority through political structures and agents.

The New Institutionalisms

Defining Institutions: Durable social rules and procedures, formal and informal, that structure social, economic, and political relations.
Explaining Institutional Impact on Behavior: Modes of institutional constraint through rules, practices, and narratives. Institutions embody values and power, shaping ideas, interests, beliefs, and incentive structures.
Understanding Institutional Persistence and Change: Institutional genesis and change can be attributed to intentional design, accident, or evolution.

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Description

This quiz explores broad ontological and epistemological positions, focusing on foundationalism and anti-foundationalism. It also examines the structure-functionalism approach in political analysis. Test your understanding of these complex philosophical concepts.