Notes on Political Theory Part B
Part Four Outstanding Political Theorists A political theorist is one who theorizes in politics or on political matters. As explained in earlier chapters, political theory came about following people’s quest or need to meet the challenges of group or social life. Following this trajectory, Sabine and Thomson (1973:3) defines political theory simply as “man’s attempt to consciously understand and solve the problems of group life and organization.” Thus, we can say that any person who attempts to consciously understand, explain and solve the problem of group life and organization can safely be called a political theorist. Classical Political Theorists The most outstanding political theorists within the classical or ancient period, before 500 BC to 410 AD, are mostly Greeks and to some extent Romans. The most notable theorists of the period that will be discussed are: Plato (circa 427-347 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC) Plato (Circa 427-347 BC) Plato is