Notes on Political Theory Part A
Part One The Nature and Scope of Political Theory Political Theory is a subdivision of political science that is traditionally concerned with the body of ideas expressed by political philosophers who have asked not only how politics work but how it should work. These philosophers have been concerned with the nature and justification of political obligation and authority as well as the goals of political action. Although their prescriptions have varied, and some have been utopian in concept; they have shared the conviction that it is the political philosopher's duty to distinguish between what is and what ought to be, between existing political institutions and potentially more humane institutions. Political Theory – Nature and Content Theory building in Political Science is predicated on the notion of Scientism. As the movement from interpretivism became consolidated and the scientific posture emerged solidified, the need to establish basic frameworks upon which polit...