Q.1 Discuss the inter–relationship of political theory and other related terms.
A distinction can be made between political theory and
similar terms like political science, political philosophy and political
ideology, though many treat them interchangeably. The differentiation between
political theory and political science arises because of the general shift in
intellectual perceptions brought about by modern science. Political Science has
tried to provide plausible generalisations and laws about politics and
political behaviour. Political theory reflects upon political phenomenon, processes
and institutions and on actual political behaviour by subjecting it to
philosophical or ethical criterion.
It considers the question of the best political order,
which is a part of a larger and a more fundamental question; namely, the ideal
form of life that a human being ought to lead within a larger community. In the
process of answering immediate and local questions, it addresses perennial
issues, which is why a study of the classical texts forms an important
component of the discipline. A classic in political theory has the essential
ingredients of a great literary work, which in spite of its local setting,
deals with the perennial problems of life and society. It contains the
quintessence of eternal knowledge and is an inheritance not of any one culture,
place, people or time, but of the entire humankind.
Specific political theories cannot be considered as the
correct or final understanding of an event. The meaning of an event is always
open to future interpretations from new viewpoints, each explaining and
analysing from a particular standpoint or concern in political life.
Furthermore, political theory is critical in its endeavour, for it gives an
account of politics that rises above those of ordinary people. There is no
tension between political theory and political science, for they differ in
terms of their boundaries and jurisdiction, and not in their aim.
Political theory supplies ideas, concepts and theories
for the purpose of analysis, description, explanation and criticism, which in
turn are incorporated in political science. Political philosophy provides
general answers to questions such as what is justice and deals with various
other concept; also the distinction between ‘is’ and ‘ought’ and the larger
issues of politics. Political philosophy is a part of normative political
theory, for it attempts to establish inter-relationships between concepts.
It is, perhaps, accurate to say that every political
philosopher is a theorist, though every political theorist is not a political
philosopher. Political philosophy is a complex activity, which is best,
understood by analysing the many ways that the acknowledged masters have
practiced it. No single philosopher and no one historical age can be said to
have defined it conclusively, any more than any one painter or school of
painting has practiced all that we mean by painting.
