Political Theory

Political Theory

The study of ideas about governance, power, justice, rights, and the relationship between individuals and the state.

Descriptive Political Theory

Study of how political systems work in reality.

Normative Political Theory

What political systems ought to look like, focusing on justice, equality, and individual rights.

Comparative Theory

Comparison of different political systems, ideologies, and political cultures.

Philosopher-King

Plato’s concept that rulers must be philosophers, possessing wisdom and understanding of forms.

Social Contract

The agreement where individuals give up certain freedoms in exchange for security provided by a sovereign authority.

Natural Rights

Locke's concept of individual rights pertaining to life, liberty, and property.

General Will

Rousseau's idea that sovereignty lies with the people and political power should reflect collective interests.

Political Realism

Machiavelli's focus on power and pragmatism in politics, as opposed to idealism.

Historical Materialism

Marx's theory explaining societal developments in terms of material conditions and class struggle.

Intersectionality

A contemporary feminist focus on how different social identities intersect and impact experiences of oppression.

Communitarianism

A critique of liberalism emphasizing the importance of community, social bonds, and shared values.

Biopower

Foucault's theory regarding the ways in which states control populations through regimes of power.

Cosmopolitan Democracy

David Held's concept advocating for global governance to address worldwide issues like poverty and climate change.