Political Science: Nature and Scope

Politics (from Greek: Πολιτικά, politiká, ‘affairs of the cities’) is the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations between individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status. The academic study of politics is referred to as political science. It may be used positively in the context of a “political solution” which is compromising and non-violent,[1] or descriptively as “the

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What are Political Theories?

Political philosophy, also known as political theory, is the study of topics such as politics, liberty, justice, property, rights, law, and the enforcement of laws by authority: what they are, if they are needed, what makes a government legitimate, what rights and freedoms it should protect, what form it should take, what the law

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Nature and significance of political theory

As stated above, political theory is the study of the phenomena of the state both from philosophical as well as empirical points of view. In this context, certain similar terms are also used such as political thought, political philosophy, political science. Although all of them are concerned with explaining the political phenomena, yet political

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Absolutism (political system)

Absolutism, the political doctrine and practice of unlimited centralized authority and absolute sovereignty, as vested especially in a monarch or dictator. The essence of an absolutist system is that the ruling power is not subject to regularized challenge or check by any other agency, be it judicial, legislative, religious, economic, or electoral. King Louis XIV (1643–1715) of France furnished the most

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Class Struggle

Account of historical change given by German social theorist Karl Marx (1818-1883). The principle division within society is between classes. Classes are groups defined in terms of their relationship to the means of production. They have conflicting interests, and this conflict is the basis of political competition. Class struggle therefore – rather than pursuit of the

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Grand theory

A class of theories rather than a particular one. Grand theory is any theory which attempts an overall explanation of social life, history, or human experience. It is normally contrasted with empiricism, positivism, or the view that understanding is only possible by studying particular instances, societies, or phenomena. Source: Quentin Skinner, ed., The Return of Grand

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Human nature

Theory of human individual and social character. There is a ‘natural’ human character as there is a natural shape to a particular plant or a natural form to a particular animal. This human nature is prior to the particularities of any time or place. Also see: dialectic, dialectical materialism Source: David Miller et al., eds, The

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Internal colonialism (20TH CENTURY)

Theory of the distribution of power and advantage within states. Within apparently unified states there is a form of colonialism practised by the center against the periphery, as for example by London and the south-east of England against Scotland and Wales. Economic resources and power are concentrated at the center, to the advantage of which the periphery is subordinated. Culture,

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Law of the small number (20TH CENTURY)

Theory of the German social scientist Max Weber (1864-1920) regarding the influence of small groups in key positions. ‘The ruling minority can quickly reach understanding among its members; it is thus able at any time quickly to initiate that rationally organized action which is necessary to preserve its position of power.’ A concise statement of practical elitism. Source:

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Mass society (20TH CENTURY)

Theory of modern society. Old hierarchies have been replaced by a society in which everyone is an isolated individual. But because social order is unavoidable, it is created by herding people into organizations and movements led despotically from above. Source: David Miller et al., eds, The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Thought (Oxford, 1987) Concept

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New age (20TH CENTURY)

Semi-ethical, semi-religious theory of cultural renewal. So called ‘new-age theory’ is not a coherent doctrine, but a mixture of cultural, ecological, pantheistic and communalist beliefs which from the 1980s, particularly in North American and Western Europe, were presented as an alternative to ‘consumerist’ values. Also see: communalism Source: Monica Sjooo, New Age and Armageddon (London,

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Piecemeal social engineering (20TH CENTURY)

Theory of proper method of social reform employed by Austrian philosopher Karl Popper (1902-1994). Rather than engage in grand schemes, government should deal with problems as they emerge, and respond to social or economic deficiencies in an ad hoc manner. Piecemeal social engineering was a concept favored by those attracted to the idea of an end of

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Racism

Theory of the biologically determined basis of human social character. The term ‘racism’ is used critically of those employing such theory, rather than as a term of self description. Humans are divided into biologically distinct groups whose characteristics are passed on by inheritance. Differences in ability, taste, aptitude and culture are thus explained by

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Relative deprivation (20TH CENTURY)

A theory of the causes of social and political discontent. People are roused to political action as a result not of absolute changes in their material conditions but of changes relative to the circumstances of those with whom they compare themselves. Source: W G Runciman, Relative Deprivation and Social Justice (London, 1966) Theory In

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Social Darwinism (19TH CENTURY)

Attempted application of theory of the survival of the fittest to public policy. The provision of social services allowed the ‘unfit’ to survive, and reproduce children who inherited their social characteristics. Such services, therefore, however well-meaning, damaged society. Also see: eugenics Source: David Miller et al., eds, The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Thought (Oxford, 1987) Social Darwinism refers

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Spontaneous order (20TH CENTURY)

Theory of Austrian social scientist Friedrich A. Hayek (1899-1992). Social order is not deliberately created but arises out of the natural selection of those institutions and values and practices which are effective, so that a traditional framework develops over time within which individuals may operate securely. Source: F A Hayek, Law, Legislation and Liberty (London, 1982)

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Structural functionalism (20TH CENTURY)

A more systematic exposition of functionalism, particularly employed in comparative politics. Societies and political systems may be compared, whatever their formal or institutional differences, in terms of the various functions which contribute to the operation of their overall structures. Source: Geoffrey Roberts and Alistair Edwards, A New Dictionary of Political Analysis (London, 1991) Theory In

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Survival of the fittest (19TH CENTURY)

Theory of social progress of English social scientist HERBERT SPENCER (1820-1903), wrongly attributed to Charles Darwin (1809-82). If government is kept to its minimum functions of the defence of persons and property, the enforcement of contracts, and the defence of the frontiers, individuals will flourish according to their ability or fitness to adapt to changing

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Activism (20TH CENTURY)

Theory of political tactics. Argument and persuasion are limited by existing circumstances. In order to change those circumstances action is necessary which either achieves real change or demonstrates possible changes. At its best, activism can avoid pessimism and resignation; at its worst, it can encourage the belief that action is an alternative to thought.

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