Political

Theory as Political Philosophy

7/1/21 08:25

From Political Science Tutorials Notes:

What is a Theory?................................................................................... ........ From: Learn political science Rationalism is the viewpoint that knowledge mostly comes from intellectual reasoning,
- "Plausible (you are not coming from imagination but an assumption was What is Political Theory and empiricism is the viewpoint that knowledge mostly comes from using your senses to
based on data analysis) account / narrative how events come to be as - Political theory is an integral part of political science. It helps us in understanding the concepts and observe the world.
indicated by result of data analysis" theories for the purpose of analysis, description, explanation, criticism and remove deficiencies 1. Meaning of Political theory
- "Offered explanation that is open to testing" (Cambridge) which are incorporated in political science ○ Theory is an idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain facts or events that is From <https://www.google.com/search?
- "A systematic explanation of empirical data, usually (unlike a hypothesis), presented as possible true or proven to be true. q=rationalism+epiricism+positivism+mean&oq=rationalism+epiricism+positivism+mean&
presented as reliable knowledge" 1. What is politics: Theorizing the Political ○ Political theory is a set of an idea or observation that intend to explain the aqs=chrome..69i57.7143j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
- "An organized set of ideas which seek to explain reality" (Schmandt) - Theory political, social and economic even in the state
- Organize set of ideas ○ An activity to understand whatever is happening around us - theorizing then theorem is the ○ Men by nature has the capacity of thinking and analyzing the behavior of the
outcome which is obtained by theoria of theorizing. As a result of theorization (theorem), will individual and the state in the form of theories Empiricism is the view that experiences, observations or sense data are the only or the
make us understand an incident in a better manner ○ Thus, political theory is one of the core areas in political science. most important way of acquiring knowledge. Rationalism is the view
What are the use of Theory........................................................................ . - Politics 2. Definition of political theory that rational intuitions are the most important way of acquiring knowledge. ...
- Explanation ○ Where the community is to take decision for all the perspective of good life for the community a. Catlin - the word theory is like a blank cheque whose value is its utility and the Logical positivism was a twentieth century attempt to
- Prediction 2. Definition of political theory way in which it is put into practice combine empiricism and rationalism.
○ Because the theory founded is in the data a. George Sabine -anything about politics or relevant to politics. The disciplined investigation of b. Andrew Hecker- it has broadly two meanings:
- Bring order to data that would otherwise remain disconnected and political problems i. Traditional political approach From <https://www.google.com/search?
purposeless b. David Held- a network of concepts and generalizations about political life involve ideas - ii. modern q=rationalism+epiricism+positivism+mean&oq=rationalism+epiricism+positivism+mean&
assumption- statements about the nature - purpose- key features of the government-state and aqs=chrome..69i57.7143j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
Origin of Theory as a word................................... ................................ . society-political capabilities of human beings c. John C. Walk - political theory includes philosophy, art and politics
- A Greek verb c. Bluhm- a general understanding of political word, a frame of reference, without one, we
- Envoy ( a person who is sent by one government to represent it in dealing should be unable to recognize an event as political, decide anything about why it happened, Political theory is speculation about political and governmental activity Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge or knowing.It is the
with another government), sent to consult an oracle, to present an judge whether it was good or bad or decide that was likely to happen knowledge to examine reality. Ontology is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature
offering, to be present at festivals, to look at, to behold, to inspect, d. Brecht - it is the function of the political theorist to see sooner than others to analyze more d. Prof frank - political theory is the speculation of a single individual who is of human beings existence as individual, in society and in the universe. It deals abut the
contemplate, consider, compare profoundly than others, the immediate and the potential problems of the political life of attempting to offer a theoretical explanation of political realty, namely the reality (truth).
society. phenomenon of the state
Concept formation........................................................................................ .. 07062021 - To supply the practical politicians with alternative courses of action, the foreseeable From <https://www.google.com/search?
- Concept refer to named ideas/ mental constructs, and these are the basic consequences of which have been fully thought through 3. Political theory and other inter-related terms q=epistemology+and+ontolgy&oq=epistemology+and+ontolgy&aqs=chrome..69i57.5118j0
building blocks of analysis. The activity of naming or giving name to a - To supply him with a solid block of knowledge on which to build - Political science j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
generalization , ‘conceptualization’ or ‘conceptualizing’, the forming of a § It has tried to provide plausible generalizations and laws about politics and
concept. (Casambre, 2017: 5). 3. Aspects of political theory political behavior
○ It is about the real of politics only - political life of the citizen, his political behavior, political - Political philosophy The first branch is ontology, or the 'study of being', which is concerned with what actually
Exercise in Crafting Theoretical Statement......................................... ... ideas, the government that he seeks to establish the tasks expected from such a government § Provides general, answer to question such as what is justice, concept of exists in the world about which humans can acquire knowledge. ... The second branch
○ It seeks to evaluate, explain and predict pollical phenomena right, the distinction between is and ought and the larger issues of politics is epistemology, the 'study of knowledge
Illustrative Statement: (Samuel Huntington, 1968 in Casambre, 2017:25) ○ It attempts to understand political in relation to social, economic moral and the like
○ It seeks to build a good state in a good society that is historically tested and rationally achieved - Political ideology From <https://www.google.com/search?
Theory of Political Instability 4. Nature of political theory § A systematic and all embracing doctrine which attempts to give a complete q=epistemology+and+ontolgy&oq=epistemology+and+ontolgy&aqs=chrome..69i57.5118j0
and universally applicable theory of human nature and society along with a j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
a. Political theory as history
i. Political theory without history is a structure without a base. Political theory is history in detailed programmed of attaining it.
Social Mobilization = Social Frustration - Political theory Ontology refers to what sort of things exist in the social world and assumptions about the
the sense that it seeks to understand the time, place and the circumstances in which it
evolves. Any political theory has to have facts as the basic, circumstances in which it § Reflects upon political phenomenon, processes and institutions. form and nature of that social reality. ... Epistemology is concerned with the nature of
Economic Development cccccccccccc knowledge and ways of knowing and learning about social reality.
develops and the message i.e., political theory - Political thought
ii. It is proper that the study of politics should essentially be a historical study § The thought of the whole community that includes the writings and
speeches of the articulate sactions such as professional politics, political From <https://www.google.com/search?
b. Political theory as philosophy
(It is mostly used b y social movements in grassroots groups, governments and commentators, social reformers and ordinary persons of a community q=epistemology+and+ontolgy&oq=epistemology+and+ontolgy&aqs=chrome..69i57.5118j0
i. The sustenance of political theory depends on philosophy. Philosophy as the sum total of
political organizations to achieve a particular goal, and in most cases, the j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
general laws( morals, norms and values has served political theory well through ages. As
process of social mobilization takes place in large gatherings, such as Kant says, philosophy has answered three questions what can I know, what must I do,
processions, demonstrations, marches and mass meetings. and what can I hope for 4. Normative (prescriptive) and empirical (descriptive) theory
From <https://www.bing.com/search?q=Social+Mobilization+% ii. Without philosophy, no political theory can ever hope to exist - Normative theory In simple terms, epistemology is the theory of knowledge and deals with how knowledge
3D+Social+Frustration&qs=n&form=QBRE&sp=-1&pq=social+mobilization+% c. Political theory as science - A general way that suggest the mode by which an imperfect political or social is gathered and from which sources. ... Within epistemology there are several approaches
3D+social+frustration&sc=0-40&sk=&cvid= order could be made perfect and branches, such as for example positivism and interpretivism. These two are by far not
i. Theory has to have science in so far as its conclusions are drawn after study, observation,
487757D3C9534C3086564B61B5F3F521> ) - Thinkers are primarily concerned with political values which are to be the only branches within epistemology.
experiments, features which go along with any definition of science.
ii. Without the element of science, it would be a matter of mere faith, a conviction or a implemented to achieve harmony, stability and utility in common political life.
In the midst of economic development, the sanction that there will be scocial From <https://www.google.com/search?
07152021 "Be prudent/ cross-check before you air your view on what should be in a given issue" belief. - All the idealist school of political thinker from Plato to Bosanquet fall in this
mobilization q=epistemology+and+ontolgy&oq=epistemology+and+ontolgy&aqs=chrome..69i57.5118j0
category
If the economy is progressive, me who is poor, i will go up - This thinkers believe that peace and harmony is the only way which might help j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
Political theory is not all history but it is history in the limited sense.
It is not all philosophy but it is philosophy in so far as it motivates to overcome numerous obstacles
I remain the class - Plato's republic, Rousseau's social contract and other works are the examples of Examples of theories within the field of ontology are: ontological monism, pluralism,
It is not all science, but it is science in so far as it responds to reason
normative type of theory idealism, materialism, dualism, etc.
Qs. What is being explained, and the explanation?, What is being predicted, and - The normative approach starts with certain ideas or assumptions or values that
the prediction? Thus, a political theorist has to be a part of historian, philosopher and a part scientist Examples of theories within the field of epistemology are: realism, relativism, rationalism,
focuses attention on ethical questions or value with reference to the good order
of society irrationalism, etc.
What is predicted is social frustation. The prediction is if social mobilizattion
remains static amidst the economic development , the people will remain socially - It is a prescriptive and value loaded approach
From <https://www.researchgate.net/post/What-is-the-difference-between-Ontology-
frustated Roots of western political thought § It stresses more on values, norms in this society
and-Epistomology>
- Main features:
Theoretical Statement – a statement about the link or relationship between Birthplace of western civilization is the Mediterranean - Greece , Palestine and Italy § Idealistic and prescriptive
at least two named classes of things, or a statement in which at least two There wasn't a fixed geographical entity as it revolves around potentially universal ideas □ The emphasis in this approach is on norms and ideals
Ontology is what reality actually is, while epistemology is what we (perceive and) describe
concepts are linked by means of a predicate (element of a sentence that gives it rather than a more limited core of racial or ethnics links as in traditional civilizations or □ It does not concern itself with things as they are
reality to be.
meaning) tribal outlooks □ It does not adopt a realistic view of political actions and institutions
□ It prescribe certain forms of conduct rather than describe events or Obviously they are different, since our ability to gain knowledge and ability to describe are
The three roots of western life is Greek rationalism , Jewish Monotheism and facts pretty limited by our human condition.
Christian love □ This approach was inclined to ignore 'what is' and gave more
What is Political Theory................................... ............. .... importance to 'what should be' Probably one can say that ontology of reality does not admit of any description, since it
- It is a set of ideas, a claim § Value oriented approach then becomes its epistemology.
Greek Jewish monotheism Christian love
- A theory that takes account of the activities of the state, conflict and its □ Normative thinkers emphasized ethical and moral values such as
Rationalis
resolution at all levels of society. (Hoffman and Graham xxvi) good, bad, just , and unjust etc. It is a value loaded approach
m
- Set of concepts about political facts and the relation among them. □ It is more concern with setting standards for organizations and From <https://www.researchgate.net/post/What-is-the-difference-between-Ontology-
(Schmandt: 5) 07222021 The belief Jewish belief in one god that made principle of love wherein its the center governance of society and-Epistomology>
- Aim to expound or explain in reason nations came close and result to of life which powered the movement § Optimistic and utopian
- An attempt to acquire genuine knowledge about political fundamentals brotherhood of mankind and being toward human equality, and □ Normative theories are based on the assumptions The story of the two guys, onto- and epi-, is long, since Socrates. It's like nails and hammer.
○ Nature of political institutions and forces such as government ruled with a higher rule emphatically political concern □ It believes that a better system is possible If you focus on the hammer (epi-...) everything (onto-) looks like a nail. If you focus on the
organizations, laws, programs, interest groups, power and social ® Plato's concept of ideal state nails, you can go searching for some nails which can act as a hammer. Both can be claimed
custom Jewish belief reflected in moral code Love was considered fierce demon by § Institutional formal and legal approach to exist as real, both can be claimed to work as a knowledge-device: you can think
○ Morally proper and just political order that serves a foundation of western Greeks □ Normative approach suggests that political science is the study of of any representation as an interaction and any interaction as an informational procedure.
- A theory is a product of a context - historical law and ethics state and government Of course, narrow-minded philosophers and historians of philosophy prefer to tell an
- It is a statement or a set of ideas that was sought of relative to the Greek journey of thought □ It studies the formal, legal structures of political system easier romance of fight for power. Some years ago, I introduced the term "ipostemology",
To think to act justly to sympathize/to feel with
particular context. They attempted or cite the factors responsible to the clearly ® Study of the origin of the state, functions of the state, structure of from the Greek "hypo" (under, below), to tell another story.
Ontology of person
developments the trying to make sense of which needs to be valid and the gov, provision about the right, etc.
significance § Dominated by philosophy and history From <https://www.researchgate.net/post/What-is-the-difference-between-Ontology-
1. Primitive (animism)
□ From plato, aristotle, to rousseau used philosophical deductive and-Epistomology>
- Person is a material person, Contradiction
Context of (it rise through a ) Historical occasion 2. Greek (nature can be understood and everything is part of nature and all are subject to its laws method in adopting the normative approach to make political inquiry
Political - E.g. Thoughts of aristotle - city state 3. Intellectual: man - Evaluation of the normative approach
- The three roots have never fully been lived up to in the western world- guiding ideals
Theory ○ John locke - revolutions happened in england - Man is able to understand the world § Drawbacks [Political thought - Political thought would be the ideas that become the philosophies that
but not being practiced
- Man is different □ Ideals - theories formulated by philosophers cannot be verified the systems and structures are based upon. political thought is the use of intelligence or
Attributes of - Estimate of probabilities - Thee roots are not completely complementary, there is tension on each other Statecraft is soul craft
reason to arrive at ideas which will best provide for the common welfare.]
- Person realizes the power its reasoning ® Most of the theories are based on assumption, it has no
Political • The future must take accounts of possibilities Aristotle meant by this that the state or government by its policies, procedures and actions places
historical evidence moral ideas in the social and legal fabric of a political regime and that these ideas serve to shape the
Theory - Estimate of values □ Too much theoretical - political philosophers more emphasized on
• Any interest in the future, involves, preferences, The Greek faith in reason quality of its citizens character
philosophical principles than reality of politics
choices, the sense of moral imperatives, belief that one ® There is a gap between normative theories ideals world and real
outcome is better than other. - The source of Greek thought is Greek life over 8 centuries from 6th century BC to the
world
2nd century of the Christian era □ Philosophers have not even researched a universally acceptable
Factors - Factual Political Theory helps us better understand the concepts that have shaped our politics,
- Ionian settlements on the west cost of Asia minor is the birth of western science and
• Statement about the posture of affairs that gave rise to definition of the term philosophy including freedom, equality, individuality, democracy and justice. Importantly, Political
philosophy
it. § Advantages Theory is the part of Political Science that explores what a
- The Ionian came from other parts of Greece that made their belief not focused too
- Casual □ Normative principles are a sources of guidance for empirical better political world would look like and how we can create it.
much on traditional perspective but both scientifically nd politically
• Statement to the effect that one kind of thing is more researchers and provide their studies with purpose
- They were the first to organize city states and learn self government
likely to happen or maybe easily brought about, than □ Normative theories remind us to seek the good in life such as justice, From <https://www.google.com/search?
- 6th century, Ionian thought marks the beginning of western science - the greek way of
another morals, etc. q=What+Can+We+Learn+from+Political+Theory?
thinking about the world
- Valuational (it gives strength to a particular theory) +Leo+Strauss+summary&source=lmns&bih=629&biw=1366
- Ionian - Miletus
• Statement that something ought to happen or is the &safe=active&hl=en&sa=X&ved=
- Thales, Anaximander, Anaximines
right and desirable thing to have happen - Empirical theory 2ahUKEwj9r8iIvszxAhULdd4KHVTjBWsQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA>
- Millesian school
Use/ Context: deal with practical issues and created by incidents of - The empirical or descriptive theory is primarily concerned with things like state
pre-Socratic are the prelude to other Greeks and not the peak. It didnt received
Significance conflicts = to persuade and convince structure, political process, etc as they are. What is Political Philosophy by Leo Strauss?
the attention it deserves. There was no thought of christianity in presocratic
greek- they are opposed to the main tenets of chrisitian philosophy - The argument is that political institutions and political process have to be He argued that philosophers should have an active role in
Two - World of thought - abstract logical entities described with as much scientific accuracy as possible. shaping political events. Strauss, on the contrary, believed that philosophers should
locations/ - People's minds - beliefs, factors in people's actions - This type of study may be based upon observation. play a role in politics only to the extent that they can ensure that philosophy, which he
double role • Operate as events. - RATIONAL EXPLORATION OF NATURE (THE NATURE OF THINGS)| main interest
- In the 20th century political scientist were unable to find solution to real life saw as mankind's highest activity, can be free from political intervention.
- Greek myths influence men to think the world as animistic that made their view
"When peoples believes in it, it strengthens the theory that political problems.
of the world irrational
could become an effective tool to persuade and convince" § At this stage, the interest in philosophical speculation declined From <https://www.google.com/search?
- Thus, it freed reason
§ In the beginning, the empirical approach was viewed as a supplement to q=What+Can+We+Learn+from+Political+Theory?
Establishing Validity of Political Theory............................................. . the normative approach +Leo+Strauss+summary&source=lmns&bih=629&biw=1366
- Philosophy - love of knowledge/wisdom/ search for knowledge in all areas
§ But later in 1940, this approach monopolized the study of politics &safe=active&hl=en&sa=X&ved=
- GREEK THINKERS BELIEVE EVERYTHING IS PART OF NATURE AND SUBJECT TO ITS
§ Graham wallas, arthur bentley, charles merriam are some of the famous 2ahUKEwj9r8iIvszxAhULdd4KHVTjBWsQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA>
LAWS
empirical scholars and thinkers
- BELIEVE ON NATURE AND LIMITATION OF HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
- Main features How is political theory useful to us?
- XENOPHANES- MAN CREAETES GID IN HIS OWN IMAGE RATHERTHAN WHAT I
§ Modern approach Answer: Political theory is useful for us as it helps in understanding the meaning
IN THE BIBLE
□ It emerged in the 20th century of political concepts by looking at the way they are understood and used in ordinary
§ IF OXEN OR HORSES COULD DRAW AND MAKE STATUES AS MEN DO,
□ It can be traced back to the earliest days of political thought with language. ... Political theory helps bureaucrats, politicians, government officers and
OXEN OULD DRAW THE PICTURES OF GODS LIKE OXEN AND HORSES LIKE
HORSES aristotle- classification of constitution, mechiavellis - realistic advocates to interpret the laws and constitution.
accounts of statecraft and montesquies- theory of government and
- PROTAGORAS -FIRST O THE SOPHISTS
law From <https://www.google.com/search?
§ Man is the measure of all things- unless we claim to have divinely revealed
□ It monopolized the study of politics that made it modern q=What+Can+We+Learn+from+Political+Theory?
truth, we can only mobilize our human resources in trying to discover
knowledge about mankind and nature +Leo+Strauss+summary&source=lmns&bih=629&biw=1366
- Protagoras and Democritus § Stresses scientific method &safe=active&hl=en&sa=X&ved=
- Originator of the atomic theory and empiricism - through experience not □ It study's political processes using scientific techniques such as 2ahUKEwj9r8iIvszxAhULdd4KHVTjBWsQ_AUoAHoECAEQAA>
revelation that made knowledge subject to constant change and improvement- survey, research, observation, experiment, measurement etc Political philosophy or political theory is the philosophical study of government,
on to liberal democracy □ empirical approach would conduct survey and interview to find out addressing questions about the nature, scope, and legitimacy of public agents and
- Plato actual voting process rather than why people should vote in a institutions and the relationships between them.
Procedure in Critical Judgment......................................................
- God ought to be the measure of all things and not man normative approach
Eg. Statement, “An assertion that an event has happened and the assertion □ The goal of the approach is to develop science of political behavior From < https://www.google.com/search?q=Is+political+theory%
- Only few are capable to reach the truth
that it ought to have happened.” § Talks about value free approach 2C+political+philosophy%3F&oq=Is+political+theory%2C+political+philosophy%
- Pre Socratic saw the imperfection and fatability of human judgement and
(the 2 statements are different, logically disparate inasmuch as a statement □ The empirical approach does not bother with morals, ethics and 3F&aqs=chrome..69i57.1610j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
containing a copulative verb 'ought to be' requires the assumption of a knowledge
- If there is no absolute standard of right and wrong, the opinions of the majority are to values
standard of value which is never present. When this happens, the beginning of □ It is a rational approach The main difference between the two is their way of dealing with the topics they have
critical judgement is analysis [breakdown of ideas to understand its decide
□ It restricts itself to what is and rather than what ought to be studied and their methodologies. Political philosophy is concerned with what it should
composition] ( the discrimination of the 2 kinds and the application to each of □ It draw a line of difference between the fact and value be, pursuing the ideal. Political theory tries to define and explain.
the tests appropriate to it). Sophist emphasized WHAT SOCIAL REALITY IS RATHER THAN WHAT IT SHOULD BE
- Original progenitors of the social contract § Stress on inter-disciplinary approach
□ It believes that while studying the political issues social science like From < https://www.google.com/search?q=Is+political+theory%
Socrates
sociology, psychology and economics would play important role 2C+political+philosophy%3F&oq=Is+political+theory%2C+political+philosophy%
Through plato
Back to the Main Question: Can causal and moral necessity be □ It believes that political behavior of men is only one aspects of his 3F&aqs=chrome..69i57.1610j0j1&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8>
- One of the great teachers of all time
synthesized?.......................................................................................... . - Knowledge can lead to makings moral mastery total behavior
® Therefore, inter-disciplinary study would help political analysis POLITICAL THEORY is the study of politics, concepts, and the historical record of
- The unexamined life is not worth of living
“for from the allegation that meanings can occur only in the fulfillment of to understand human behavior and society political thought. Our Theory program is distinguished by the strengths of faculty and
purposes and that reflective thought is only a directive agency in behavior, it ◊ Instead of studying the voting behavior of people, we students in grounding critical and interpretive studies of present day politics in the
appears to follow that logical adequacy must include both factual efficiency should study one's loyalties to caste, religion and political history of political thought.
Summary
and the fulfillment of purpose.” - They invented the idea of secular civilization -all members have the opportunity to party
§ Descriptive From < https://polsci.umass.edu/graduate-programs/fields-concentration/political-
Combination of truths of reason/ truths of fact contribute to the intellectual ad moral progress of society.
□ It seeks to analyze the behavior of individual and state and explain it theory>
- The source of Knowledge is intellectual curiosity and moral courage
- Free thought to be expressed in free speech accordingly
□ Focuses on overall behavior of individual who are very important of
Political Philosophy. ............................................................ the state and be explained in a descriptive manner
Philosophy SECULAR CIVILIZATION- ABILITY TO BE DIVERSE AND FREE SPEECH § Emphasize on informal process of politics
IF REASON WAS HUMANITY'S MOST CHARACTERISTIC ATTRIBUTE, FREE SPEECH WAS □ It put great emphasis on the informal process of politics and less on
- Greek word | Philia - love | Sophia - wisdom THE ONY WAY OF UTILIZING THE RATIONAL FACULTY political institution
- belief that include clarifying, evaluating & justifying the belief as well as § Also known as realistic approach
examining them in the light of opposing viewpoints POLITICS IS A GREEK DISCOVERY □ It is not based on assumptions but facts
- beliefs that are as conceptually clear, experientially confined and - FROM LIBERAL DEMOCRATIC VIEWS OF DEMOCRITOS TO RATIONAL - Criticisms
rationally coherent as possible. (Lawhead, 5) AUTHROIANSIM OF PLATO § Critics says that an entirely value free approach is not desirable because
- MATERIALISM AND IDEALISM civilization would stagnate if political science divorced itself from morality
Use § Empirical approach generated a lot of excitement amongst political
- PROTESTANT RREFORMATION PLAYED A VIRAL ROLE IN SHAPING MODERNITY
- Explore the nature of judgements we make about our values; academics but now it has failed to deliver on its biggest promise to find a
- TRUTH IS A STEP BY STEP PROCESS
- Make sense of what we do, and prescribe what we ought to do. solution to world problems
Is political theory, political philosophy? - Advantages
What is Political Philosophy?....................................... .............................. § It has broaden the frontiers of politics
Political theory Political philosophy
- Branch of philosophy that analyzes the state & related concepts such as □ New political terms and phenomenon found a place in the study of
political obligation, law, social justice & constitution. Predicts Prescribes politics
Systematic explanation Belief ® Power, influence, authority, political behavior, political culture
- A preoccupation with essentially ethical, prescriptive or normative
What is What ought to be § Given scientific orientation to politics
question, reflecting a concern with what should or ought/ must be □ It has made research in political science more realistic
brought about rather than what is. (Heywood, 13) An attempt to acquire genuine An attempt to explore nature of judgements (raise the
□ Subject like voting pattern, election can be more reliably analyzed
knowledge about political question of what is the common good or the good society? )
with the help of care, interview, analysis, observation, etc
fundamentals (description,
§ Made politics more dynamic
explanation)
□ It has enabled political scientist to take their theories beyond political
Statecraft Soulcraft institutions
□ Today political scientist focus a lot of attention on the political
behavior or individual, groups.

What is Political Philosophy?

“ the coherent reflection (methodic reflection) carried on by politically

minded people, concerning the essentials of political life as such and the
attempt to establish, on the basis of such reflection, the right standards of
judgment concerning political institutions and actions; political philosophy is
the attempt to discover political truth. Emerged at the time of recorded past.

Political thought may not necessarily come from methodic reflection. “All
political philosophy is political thought, but not all political thought is
political philososphy.”

What is Political Philosophy?

- raise the question of what is the common Inquires into manner in which
good or the good society? political power maybe used and
- Examines the moral premises and the moral limitations that should
postulates that underlie the political and be placed upon it. (Schmandt, 4).
social system
- Concerned with ends and goals that ought Example: Plato’s theory of the
to be pursued by political society; origin of the state and the best
- Seeks to answers questions dealing with form of government rests on the
purpose of the state, moral justification of principle of ‘common good.’
political power and dividing line between (it will give you an insights)
governmental authority & human
freedom;

What can we learn from political philosophy?........................... ........

Presupposition 1. One may doubt if there exist such a thing as political

1: Nothing philosophy;
2. Even if there is political philosophy, we would not need it;
3. Even if we would need it, its lessons would necessarily be
ineffectual

philosophy comes always too late for the guidance of political

action; philosopher always comes post festum; philosophy can
merely interpret the result of political action; it can make us
understand the State; it cannot teach us on what should be
done with regard to the State.
- "For the Owl of Minerva Flies at Dusk"
- Hegel
Both share they are product to methodical thinking
(philosophizing (refection) is a result after an action is Theory - postivism and empiricism
taken.). Philo-idealist rationalist

Theory - you can test them through postivist or not

Presupposition Even if there is political philosophy, we would not need Philo- questining
2: There is Use it; Political thought
`
...even if this is true, he does need political philosophy as Nature- classical -
soon as reasonable political action is endangered by an
erroneous political teaching. e.g. If Zeno had not denied the Political power soul craft
Ontology of person- primitive view: a person is a material person whose life is very well connected or
reality of motion, it would not have been necessary to prove and state craft be together interconnected with nature
the reality of motion. If the Sophists had not undermined the
basic principles of political life, Plato might not have been Ontology of nature
compelled to elaborate his Republic.
What is Nature - order of life- it is good and right everywhere- nature cannot be wrong
- We ought to beliefe nature is the physical world - but it is also an order of life - it is true
whereever you go

- Oppostive of convention/law; it is the same everywhere unline convention or law (because it is
Political philosophy is necessary to defend a reasonable human made)
course of action. - On account of the above it is believe that it is possible to discover such an order of life as is good
and right everywhere because it is in accordance with the one and unchangeable nature of man;
Is political theory, political philosophy? this natural order is the only true legitimate standard for judgements on the arbitary enactments
The issue of the soul craft and state craft of monarchs and republics and it is the only reliable guide for reform and improvement
- Until the discovery of nature, the good is asscociated with the ineherited/old
The soul craft is the domain of political philosophy
- You need pol philo t help you address these qustions

Stateccraft question- surge of infection esp in davao - how are you going to dispose political power to
protect the lives of the citizen- will you continue to be liberal on handling peoples behavior under the A thgeory is a product of contecxxt
pandemic or stronghand of the state on regulating peoples behavior
political theor doesnt come from nowhere but a product of a particular context. It presents
Soul craft- what is the purpose of the state then if we are not to protect the life of the citizens the factoirs that these thinkers have souyght that they tring to make sense of. Political
theory raises what are yt the uses and si
We have to be cocious, soul and sate shoud be relevant- esp in political power- both should be togethr
Questions It is a statement soought of rerlative of the cobntext of th e particular thinbker that sought
We could not follow the same pattern as it isdifficult we do not have enough to cater the flood of cases
Political philosophy Political theory them that they try to evaluate oexplain has to be valid
- What is the ideal political state? - Direct questions
- What is the purpose of the state? - How do we conduct political Individual liberties It is a theorythe
- What makes a government legitimate? affairs?
- What are the proper limits of a - How do we manage the state??
government power? the right to life /public welfare, safety , health should be focus The focucus is the activities , confluc
- Is this action justified? Under what
condition is it justified? It focuys on rhe public demain'
Historical occassion
Soul-rightness of the action esp on legitimacy Theory of plato - focus on greek polis
- Concerned is to able to use poltiical power to adress the needs of the people Thomas hobbes, john locke- revolutions that happened in englans
- Reckoning the ideal Vslauutiionakl
- It give strenghts to a particular theoiry==============
qu Starts with the context, deal with practical the theory could be a tool to persuade and
convince whiich th e next thibng is acction
Hitler is concenred how soul craft is distorted
Even if hisunderstanding of the goal of the state may be corrupted Rational exploration of nature
Leaders knows they have to find the reason to preserve the power that hinders on the goal of the state
They use it
For the greek tinkers - nature could be understood
If you are really concerned with the soul craft it should be in the right v

The moment you scare of on the soul craft then you start digging the grage of your political power The intellectual man is a product of greeks discovery of reason in nature

Power corrupts. The more you have the corrupted power the mor eit gets corrupted Nature hs also its reason
There is always a limit to tyranny . It is the peoples tolerance. Peoples tolerance will be kept by the
perceived notion that the state allows them to relaliaze their potential. - it is the end of tyranny Humans believe their life is one and connected with nature. Witht that order of life demonstrated in the
form from tis various elemetnns that the people to survive, in animistic view, they hve to live in
To keep state craft accordance to the ryhthm of life

accument of statecrafts rests on soulcraft If yuo are able to live with the rythm of nature, you will be able tossurvve

Soulcraft made nelson mandela famous World of forms - the ideal

He was able to World of matter- what we see
There is a gradual relization that the archetypal form is embedded in nature which is the order of thigs.
The world of matter should always search the standard or the ideal sets before us.. This is since the ideal
form is the order of things that distinguish the right from the wrong

ontology