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What does Political Theory emphasize in the context of political science?
The importance of theorizing in the assertion of objectivity.
Which of the following is a concern of Political Theory?
Critics of political theory suggest it is highly applicable to real-world politics.
False
What are the two main approaches to Political Theory?
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What did the Ionians contribute to Political Theory?
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The primary tool for unraveling the truth in Political Theory is __________.
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Which philosopher proposed that 'water' is the basic element?
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Match the following philosophers with their contributions:
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What is Political Theory concerned with?
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Which of the following are approaches to Political Theory? (Select all that apply)
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Political Theory is often criticized for its practicality.
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Who were the first three Greek thinkers from the Milesian School?
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The ________ in political science shouldn't be taken at face value.
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What does Anaximander propose about the primal substance?
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The Ionians were the first to practice democracy in city-states.
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What was the basic element proposed by Thales?
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Study Notes
Political Theory
- 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 in Political Science
- 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.
Political Theory in Real-World Politics
- 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.
Pre-Socratic Philosophy
- 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.
Political Theory
- 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
Political Theory In Political Science
- 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
Political Theory in Real-World Politics
- 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
Pre-Socratic Philosophy
- Concerned with explanations of the nature and workings of the world
- Led by the Milesian School from Miletus (a commercial center in Ionia, Turkey)
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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.
- First three Greek thinkers
- 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
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Description
This quiz explores the concepts and methodologies of Political Theory. It contrasts traditional and formal approaches, examining key normative questions within political thought. Prepare to delve into both the humanities and empirical aspects of Political Science.
