POLITICAL THEORY AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

Political philosophy and Political theory are two subjects that differ from each other
in certain aspects. Political philosophy deals with topics, namely justice, property, rights,
liberty and law. On the other hand, political theory deals with the theory of politics and
how it originated. This is the basic difference between political philosophy and political
theory.

Political theory deals with the general theory of constitution and citizenship. In other
words, it can be said that political theory defines and explains the various forms of
government, namely, kinship, tyranny, aristocracy, oligarchy, polity and democracy. On
the other hand, political philosophy deals with the duties of citizens towards a legitimate
government.

It is said that Aristotle formed the constitutional theory based on the theory of
justice. The conception of universal justice forms the basis of political theory. Great
thinkers of past have said that politics is based on universal justice. On the other hand,
epistemology and metaphysics are used in the study of political philosophy. This is not
the case with the political theory.

Political theory is logical in its explanation and conclusions. On the other hand,
political philosophy is metaphysical in its explanation and conclusions. The explanation
of the disposition of power in society form the crux of political theory. Power has to be
nicely balanced among three entities, namely, states, groups and individuals. Political
theory deeply studies the balancing of these entities.

Political philosophers had been thinkers all through their life. On the other hand, the
experts of political theory had been practitioners all through their life. Political theory
develops a materialistic outlook whereas political philosophy develops a philosophical
look. These are the differences between political philosophy and political theory.

Watch: “Political Theory by John Locke vs. Political Theory by Clark Maxwell” at
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