Political Theory Overview

Study Notes

Political Theory involves an analytical study of ideas and doctrines central to political thought.
It is considered the "humanities" end of Political Science, contrasted with the "science" end.
Political Theory delves into normative questions surrounding politics, exploring what "ought" to be.
Two key approaches are:
- Traditional Political Theory: Focuses on literary criticism of thinkers, qualitative analysis, and normative questions (justice, liberty, equality).
- Formal Political Theory: Utilizes empirical methods, models, and aims for prediction.

Political Theory is often seen as a "soft" genre within political science, contrasting with the "more scientific" traditions.
Critics label political theory as "utopian" and inapplicable, detached from real-world politics.
In response, theorists argue that:
- "Science" and "objectivity" are not exclusive to certain traditions.
- "Science" in political science shouldn't be taken at face value.
- Political Theory has its own rigorous approaches that are often ignored or misunderstood.

Researchers note that political theories often utilize empirical approaches or focus on current political events and phenomena.
These theories are influenced by their specific historical and political context.
Influences include:
- Western Science and Philosophy
- 6th Century BC in Ionia (Turkey)
- Ionian thinkers were among the first to organize city-states and explore self-government.

Focused on explanations of nature and the world.
The Milesian School emerged from Miletus, a commercial center in Ionia.
Key early Greek thinkers include:
- Thales: Proposed "water" as the basic element.
- Anaximander: Introduced the concept of a primal substance, eternal and transformative, giving rise to the elements.
- He questioned the origin of Earth and the nature of the universe.

Analytical study of ideas and doctrines that have been central to political thought
Considered the humanities end of the political science field (with science on the other end)
Concerned with normative questions of politics, including questions of what ought to be
Two approaches:
- Traditional Political Theory: Literary criticism of thinkers, qualitative, normative, philosophical, focuses on justice, liberty, and equality
- Formal Political Theory: Empirical, models, predictive, quantitative

Often treated as a "soft" genre in political science
Distinguished from the "more scientific" tradition in political science
Theorists state that "science" and "objectivity" are often monopolized by traditions in political science
The "science" in political science should not be taken at face value
Political theories in political science often utilize qualitative approaches in their theoretical discussions
Political theories in political science utilize empirical approaches to evaluate contemporary political phenomena

Critics highlight its utopianism, idealism, and disconnect from real-world politics
Political theories utilize empirical methods to ground their investigations
Political theories take inspiration from current events and phenomena
Western science and philosophy are highly influential in the evolution of political theory

Concerned with explanations of the nature and workings of the world
Led by the Milesian School from Miletus (a commercial center in Ionia, Turkey)
Milesian School:
- First three Greek thinkers
  - Thales: "Water" is the basic element of the universe
  - Anaximander: The existence of a primal substance which is transformed into various other elements
  - Anaximander: The primal substance is eternal.
Ionians were the first to organize city-states and learn self-government
The Ionian city-states were commercial centers, which fostered a diverse population
The diverse population allowed for different perspectives and an understanding of human nature
The use of reason was the primary tool to explain and uncover the truth