GV958 Contemporary <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> Week 2 Theory is a system of definitions and explanations that allows us to understand the phenomena we observe. Theory is a system of definitions and explanations that allows us to understand the phenomena we observe. Thus <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> involves both theory formation and methodology, the processes by which we test whether our theories are true (or at least whether they can explain what we observe in the world). Theory is a system of definitions and explanations that allows us to understand the phenomena we observe. Thus <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> involves both theory formation and methodology, the processes by which we test whether our theories are true (or at least whether they can explain what we observe in the world). For this reason, our definition of <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> includes, but is not limited to the subfield of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> conventionally called <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> . It also includes the bodies of theory generated by scholars who study politics empirically. Theory is a system of definitions and explanations that allows us to understand the phenomena we observe. Thus <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> involves both theory formation and methodology, the processes by which we test whether our theories are true (or at least whether they can explain what we observe in the world). For this reason, our definition of <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> includes, but is not limited to the subfield of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> conventionally called <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> . It also includes the bodies of theory generated by scholars who study politics empirically. Thus we will proceed in the first term to study empirical <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> theories about how political systems work. This is the body of theory that you need as common background knowledge to read and research in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> . In the second term we will study philosophy of social science and normative/democratic <a href="/keyword/political-theory/" >political theory</a> . To understand the variety of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , a little history is necessary. <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is something of an illegitimate child, only developing as a separate discipline in the twentieth century. As such it inherited theories from a variety of disciplines philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology. To understand the variety of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , a little history is necessary. <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is something of an illegitimate child, only developing as a separate discipline in the twentieth century. As such it inherited theories from a variety of disciplines philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology. Inherited theories: To understand the variety of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , a little history is necessary. <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is something of an illegitimate child, only developing as a separate discipline in the twentieth century. As such it inherited theories from a variety of disciplines philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology. Inherited theories: 1. Liberalism To understand the variety of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , a little history is necessary. <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is something of an illegitimate child, only developing as a separate discipline in the twentieth century. As such it inherited theories from a variety of disciplines philosophy, economics, sociology, psychology. Inherited theories: 1. Liberalism 2. Marxism 3. Sociological theory <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> developed in the twentieth century, with universal suffrage and mass political movements. However, in the post war period, it was shaped by two intellectual revolutions: <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> developed in the twentieth century, with universal suffrage and mass political movements. However, in the post war period, it was shaped by two intellectual revolutions: 1. Behaviouralism <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> developed in the twentieth century, with universal suffrage and mass political movements. However, in the post war period, it was shaped by two intellectual revolutions: 1. Behaviouralism (or perhaps behavioralism, in the original American) <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> developed in the twentieth century, with universal suffrage and mass political movements. However, in the post war period, it was shaped by two intellectual revolutions: 1. Behaviouralism (or perhaps behavioralism, in the original American) 2. Rational choice theory <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> developed in the twentieth century, with universal suffrage and mass political movements. However, in the post war period, it was shaped by two intellectual revolutions: 1. Behaviouralism (or perhaps behavioralism, in the original American) 2. Rational choice theory When we consider the list of most influential political scientists and most influential books in the Goodin and Klingemann reading, we find most are connected with these two revolutions , although researchers who are able to bridge approaches (Habermas interpreters ?) are also important. It is notable that in the post-war period, international relations also became established as a separate subfield of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> (and in some places a separate discipline). It generated its own body of theory, and its own divergent political traditions (realists, liberal institutionists, idealists/constructivists). In order to cover the diversity of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , it is necessary to develop a framework for comparing these approaches First let us define the subject of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> : In order to cover the diversity of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , it is necessary to develop a framework for comparing these approaches First let us define the subject of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> : <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is the study of binding collective choices, and the use of power to make these. In order to cover the diversity of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , it is necessary to develop a framework for comparing these approaches First let us define the subject of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> : <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is the study of binding collective choices, and the use of power to make these. Note that framing politics in terms of power or choice is pretty much equivalent. In order to cover the diversity of theoretical approaches in <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> , it is necessary to develop a framework for comparing these approaches First let us define the subject of <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> : <a href="/keyword/political-science/" >political science</a> is the study of binding collective choices, and the use of power to make these. Note that framing politics in terms of power or choice is pretty much equivalent. Note also the politics often concerns government and its institutions, but not always. Why study politics is (really) difficult: 1. We generally cannot do experiments. We usually only have observational data. Why study politics is (really) difficult: 1. We generally cannot do experiments. We usually only have observational data. This leads to the problem of identification. If two processes happen together, how do we know which caused which. Example: Weber s Calvinism and the spirit of capitalism Why study politics is (really) difficult: 1. We generally cannot do experiments. We usually only have observational data. This leads to the problem of identification. If two processes happen together, how do we know which caused which. Example: Weber s Calvinism and the spirit of capitalism 2. Our subjects are rational and have cognitive abilities. Therefore we cannot understand them the way we understand billiard balls, but have to understand how they understand things. Why study politics is (really) difficult: 1. We generally cannot do experiments. We usually only have observational data. This leads to the problem of identification. If two processes happen together, how do we know which caused which. Example: Weber s Calvinism and the spirit of capitalism 2. Our subjects are rational and have cognitive abilities. Therefore we cannot understand them the way we understand billiard balls, but have to understand how they understand things. A radical consequence of this problem is known as the hermeneutic circle . Our understanding is part of the social systems we are trying to understand. Indeed, if a social science theory gains widespread acceptance, it changes reality, possibly confirming or invalidating itself! A starting point classifying theories: Marx s German Ideology A starting point classifying theories: Marx s German Ideology The reason for starting here is that it is an example of a grand theory it explains everything, including social structure, economics, government, ideologies. Most contemporary political theories only concentrate on one part of the puzzle. Schematic of Marx s German Ideology Economic structure Interests Outcomes Ideology/ Politics Schematic of Marx s German Ideology Economic structure Interests Outcomes Ideology/ Politics This has the advantage that this can be tested. Weberian critique: 1. Ideology can affect economic structure (technology, etc) Schematic of Marx s German Ideology Economic structure Interests Outcomes Ideology/ Politics This has the advantage that this can be tested. Weberian critique: 1. Ideology can affect economic structure (technology, etc) 2. Ideology can redefine people s interests (effects of calvinism, etc) This leads to the following model Economic structure Interests Outcomes Ideology/ Politics The problem is that this model is unidentified everything causes everything else. A General Model of Social Systems everything causes everything else Structures: Economy Political/social institutions Interests Institutions/ structure Outcomes Ideology/ culture