(21-31) Alienation of Political Theory

Pragmatic Realism

Philosophy emphasizing practical consequences and real-world applications.

Behavioralism

Approach prioritizing empirical data and scientific methods.

Logical Positivism

Philosophy asserting knowledge through empirical verification.

Logical Empiricism

Philosophy combining logic with empirical observations.

Instrumentalism

View that theories are tools for prediction and explanation.

Conceptual Frameworks

Models and strategies for organizing political research.

Operational Definitions

Specific criteria for measuring theoretical concepts.

Theoretical Revolution

Shift prioritizing pure science in behavioralism.

Emotive Value Judgments

Claims based on feelings, not verifiable facts.

Abstract Conceptual Schemes

Theories imposed on data for interpretation.

Systems Theory

View of politics as interconnected systems.

Research Programs

Coordinated efforts to explore political theories.

American Liberalism

Mid-20th century ideology influencing political science.

Ideological Bias

Preconceived notions affecting objective political analysis.

Empirical Grounding

Basis of theories in observable data.

Primitive Observational Data

Basic, undeniable facts supporting theoretical claims.

Theories as Tools

Concepts used to organize and explain data.

Philosophical Basis

Underlying principles guiding scientific methodology.

Political Structures

Frameworks assumed to be universal in politics.

Scientific Explanation

Understanding phenomena through empirical and theoretical lenses.

Theory Construction

Process of developing frameworks for political analysis.

Historical Political Theory

Focuses on political ideas through historical context.

Normative Political Theory

Catch-all for non-empirical political theory aspects.

Empirical Political Theory

Analyzes political phenomena through observation and data.

Behavioralism

Dominant approach emphasizing practical political science.

Sheldon Wolin

Criticized sidelining of political theory in 1969.

Policy Science

Shift towards practical political research in the 1970s.

Easton's New Revolution

Emphasized politically relevant research in political science.

Criticism of Behavioralism

Focused on assumptions underlying behavioral scientific methods.

Thomas Kuhn

Challenged behavioralism's rigid logical positivism.

Postpositivist Social Science

Focuses on meaning and intentionality in social actions.

Peter Winch

Argued for understanding social actions beyond empirical data.

Alfred Schutz

Emphasized reconstructing contexts for social action intelligibility.

Positivist Approaches

Focus on empirical data and scientific methods.

Postpositivist Approaches

Incorporate subjective meaning in social scientific explanations.

Metatheoretical Debate

Overshadowed substantive discussions in political theory.

Epistemology

Study of knowledge and justified belief.

Methodology

Systematic approach to research and analysis.

Autonomy of Political Theory

Developed independent structures and concerns by late 1970s.

Political Education

Importance of political theory for informed citizenship.

Practical Judgment

Application of political theory to real-world decisions.

Scientific Imagination

Creative thinking in developing political theories.

Political Biases

Subtle influences affecting political science methodologies.

Behavioralism

Focus on empirical data in political science.

Political Theory

Study of philosophical and normative political issues.

Political Science

Discipline analyzing political behavior and institutions.

Empirical Data

Information obtained through observation and experimentation.

Normative Political Theory

Exploration of value judgments in political contexts.

Sheldon Wolin

Critic of behavioralism emphasizing political theory's importance.

Thomas Kuhn

Philosopher advocating for broader political theory engagement.

Positivist Epistemology

Philosophy prioritizing observable phenomena over subjective experiences.

Intellectual Alienation

Separation of political theory from practical political engagement.

Fact/Value Issue

Debate on relationship between facts and value judgments.

Logical Positivism

Philosophical stance asserting empirical verification of statements.

T.D. Weldon

Declared political philosophy 'dead' due to positivism.

Postpositivism

Philosophical movement bridging facts and normative claims.

Stephen Toulmin

Postpositivist thinker revitalizing political philosophy.

R.M. Hare

Philosopher arguing for empirical grounding of normative claims.

Duality of Claims

Political theory includes both normative and empirical claims.

Linguistic Analysis

Method analyzing political concepts in philosophical discourse.

John Rawls

Author of 'Theory of Justice', revitalizing political theory.

Theory of Justice

Rawls's work establishing principles of justice and fairness.

Robert Nozick

Wrote 'Anarchy, State, and Utopia', influential political theorist.

Philosophical Shift

Political theory's focus moved to abstract philosophical concerns.

Crisis in Political Philosophy

Doubt in justifying political principles like natural sciences.

Independence of Political Theory

Political theory's separation from political science disciplines.

Jurgen Habermas

Key figure in critical theory and political theory.

Critical Theory

Philosophical approach analyzing society and culture.

Knowledge and Human Interest

Habermas's work institutionalizing political theory (1971).

Alienation in Critical Theory

Detachment from real-world politics in academia.

Philosophized Ideologies

Abstract arguments rooted in Marxism or liberalism.

Metatheoretical Focus

Shift to theory of theory over substantive issues.

Theory vs. Practice

Debate on reconciling theoretical and practical judgments.

Transcendentalism

Search for universal foundations for knowledge.

Practical Transcendentalism

Internal principles guiding a specific practice.

Metatheoretical Transcendentalism

External claims about knowledge's philosophical foundations.

Metatheoretical Authority

Assumption that metatheory governs practical practices.

Parasitic Nature of Metatheory

Metatheory lacks authority over first-order practices.

Alienation of Political Theory

Intellectual detachment from practical political engagement.

Re-engagement with Politics

Need for political theory to address real issues.

Second-order Status

Political theory's reliance on philosophical doctrines.

Metatheoretical Claims

Assumed universal validity distorting political theory's purpose.

Substantive Political Issues

Concrete political problems needing theoretical engagement.

Postpositivist Thought

Critique of positivism focusing on theory's context.

Existential Political Struggles

Real-world conflicts often ignored by theorists.

Political Theory's Philosophical Turn

Shift towards abstract philosophical discussions.

Metatheoretical Standards

Criteria that may misguide practical political theory.

Political Theory's Authenticity

Genuine engagement with real-world political practices.

Knowledge Practices

Ways of understanding and interpreting political phenomena.

Relativism

Belief that no universal truth exists.

Totalitarianism

Political system centralized under an authoritarian regime.

Pseudo Problem

Issue perceived as false or misleading.

Philosophical Relativism

Abstract belief lacking real-world relevance.

Practical Relativism

Application of relativism in real-life situations.

Transcendentalism

Philosophy claiming authority over political judgments.

Political Theory

Study of political ideas and practices.

Critical Theory

European intellectual framework critiquing society and culture.

Metatheory

Theory about theories, often abstract and detached.

Behavioralism

Approach focusing on observable political behavior.

Social Choice Theory

Field analyzing collective decision-making processes.