NATURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POLITICAL THEORY

CHAPTER 1

NATURE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF POLITICAL THEORY

1. Introduction

Human beings are social beings. We do not normally live in isolation; instead, we live within different kinds of social institutions such as the family, educational institutions, religious organisations, economic organisations and political institutions. Each institution performs particular functions and involves some form of organisation and authority.

Among these institutions, the political organisation occupies a special position because it deals with matters affecting the community as a whole. It makes rules, takes collective decisions and exercises authority over members of the community. Political theory attempts to understand these political arrangements systematically and also examines the values and principles that should guide political life.

Political theory is therefore not merely a description of governments, elections or political institutions. It also asks deeper questions such as:

What is politics?

What makes political authority legitimate?

What is a good society?

What should be the proper relationship between the individual and the state?

What are liberty, equality and justice?

How should political power be exercised?

What values should guide public policy?

How can political institutions be evaluated and improved?

Thus, political theory combines the study of political facts with critical reflection on political values.

2. Meaning of the Political

The word political is generally associated with matters concerning the public life of a community. A political organisation is different from an organisation concerned only with a limited group or private activity.

A polity may be understood as an organised community in which rules are formulated, collective decisions are made and authority is exercised over members of the community. The state is the most important example of such a political organisation.

The political sphere is particularly concerned with matters that affect the community collectively. These include:

maintenance of public order;

national security and defence;

administration of justice;

formulation of laws;

economic regulation;

public welfare;

allocation of public resources;

formulation of public policies.

The political sphere therefore has a public character.

Political and Private Spheres

Modern society normally distinguishes between public and private life.

Political/public activities include:

parliamentary decisions;

cabinet decisions;

elections;

political-party activities;

public movements;

law-making;

government policies;

administration.

On the other hand, matters such as personal religious belief, individual artistic preference or private educational choices are generally regarded as belonging to the private sphere, unless public regulation becomes necessary.

Therefore, the meaning of politics in modern society is narrower than it was in the ancient Greek city-state.

3. Origin of the Term Politics

The words politics, political and polity are derived from the Greek word polis, which referred to the Greek city-state.

The ancient Greek polis was a relatively small political community in which different aspects of social life were closely interconnected. Political life was therefore closely connected with the idea of achieving a good life for the community.

This historical background explains why Aristotle considered human beings naturally suited to political life. In his famous conception, human beings are political animals because social and political association is an important part of human existence.

In modern societies, however, the distinction between public and private life has become much clearer. Consequently, politics generally refers to activities related to public authority, collective decision-making and the distribution of power.

4. Meaning of Political Theory

The word theory refers to systematic knowledge or an organised explanation of a particular subject.

Therefore, political theory can broadly be understood as the systematic study of political phenomena, political institutions, political behaviour, political values and political goals.

Political theory attempts to understand both:

What actually exists in political life, and

What ought to exist in political life.

This makes political theory wider than a purely factual study of government.

Political theory is concerned with different kinds of statements.

A. Empirical Statements

Empirical statements are based upon observation and experience.

For example:

Voter turnout increased in a particular election.

A particular political party won an election.

A government introduced a particular policy.

Such statements can be examined through evidence and observation.

B. Logical Statements

Logical statements are based on reasoning.

They depend upon logical relationships between propositions and concepts.

C. Evaluative Statements

Evaluative statements involve judgments concerning values.

Examples include:

Liberty is desirable.

Equality is important.

A particular form of government is just.

Human beings should enjoy certain rights.

Such questions cannot be answered merely through observation. They require argument, reasoning and consideration of values.

The central importance of political theory lies in its ability to deal with both factual and normative dimensions of political life.

5. Political Theory and Political Science

Political theory has a close relationship with political science.

Political science primarily attempts to understand political realities through systematic investigation. It studies political institutions, political behaviour, power relations, governments, parties, elections and other political processes.

Political theory, however, is broader because it also examines questions of political values and principles.

George Catlin's formulation, as discussed in the chapter, presents political theory as involving two important components:

Political science, which studies political facts and realities.

Political philosophy, which examines political values and ideals.

Thus, political theory may be represented as:

Political Theory

→ Political Science

→ Political Philosophy

These two components should not be treated as completely separate. Facts help us understand political possibilities, while values help us determine political purposes.

6. Political Science: Its Nature and Method

Political science seeks systematic knowledge about political behaviour and political processes.

According to the scientific orientation described in the chapter, political inquiry involves several important stages.

6.1 Observation

The first stage is observation.

Political scientists observe political behaviour and events through available evidence and experience. The purpose is to identify patterns and relationships in political life.

For example, researchers may examine:

voting behaviour;

party competition;

political participation;

public opinion;

government performance.

6.2 Generalisation

After observing political phenomena, researchers attempt to identify regular patterns.

Generalisation means moving from particular observations towards broader conclusions.

Two important methods are:

Inductive Method

It proceeds from particular cases towards a general conclusion.

Particular observations → Pattern → Generalisation

Deductive Method

It begins with a general proposition and examines whether particular cases support it.

General proposition → Particular cases → Verification

6.3 Explanation

Observation alone is insufficient. Political science must also explain why a particular political event or behaviour occurs.

For example, if voter participation increases, the political scientist may investigate the causes of that increase.

Explanation therefore establishes relationships between political phenomena.

6.4 Prediction and Prescription

Political analysis may also attempt to anticipate possible outcomes.

If certain political conditions are known, researchers may estimate what could happen under similar circumstances.

The findings may also help policymakers develop measures for improving political stability, efficiency and social satisfaction.

7. Behavioural Approach

The behavioural approach developed as an attempt to make political science more scientific.

Instead of concentrating mainly on formal constitutional institutions and their legal characteristics, behaviouralism focuses on the actual behaviour of individuals and groups in political situations.

For example, instead of merely studying the constitutional position of Parliament, a behavioural researcher may examine:

how legislators actually behave;

how voters make choices;

how political parties influence citizens;

how public opinion develops;

how individuals participate in politics.

Behaviouralism therefore shifts attention from formal institutions to observable political behaviour.

The approach emphasises scientific methods, observation and empirical research.

8. Post-Behaviouralism

The behavioural approach was later criticised for giving insufficient attention to values and political problems.

Post-behaviouralism emerged as an important response.

It did not completely reject scientific research. Instead, it argued that political science should combine empirical knowledge with concern for human values and social problems.

Its basic argument was that political knowledge should not remain merely theoretical or descriptive. It should also contribute to addressing serious problems affecting society.

Thus:

Behaviouralism → Emphasis on facts and scientific method

Post-behaviouralism → Facts + Values + Social relevance

The post-behavioural position therefore helped restore the importance of values within political inquiry.

9. Political Philosophy

Political philosophy is another major component of political theory.

It is often described as the study of political ideals and values. However, its role is broader than simply imagining an ideal society.

Political philosophy performs a critical function.

It examines beliefs, institutions and political practices and asks whether they can be justified rationally.

For example:

Is political authority legitimate?

Is inequality justified?

What constitutes justice?

What is genuine freedom?

What makes a government legitimate?

What should be the proper relationship between liberty and authority?

Political philosophy therefore does not simply describe political reality. It critically examines the assumptions underlying political arrangements.

D.D. Raphael's approach, discussed in the chapter, emphasises the distinction between the explanatory function of science and the justificatory function of philosophy.

10. Critical Function of Political Philosophy

The critical function of political philosophy means examining accepted beliefs instead of accepting them automatically.

Political philosophers may question:

traditional institutions;

existing political practices;

commonly accepted values;

concepts of justice;

ideas of authority;

forms of political power.

For example, a society may regard a particular institution as natural or necessary. Political philosophy asks:

Why should this institution exist?

Is it morally justified?

Does it promote justice and freedom?

This questioning function allows political theory to challenge unjust or irrational political arrangements.

The tradition of political philosophy therefore represents a continuing intellectual effort to examine political life critically.

11. Clarification of Political Concepts

Political theory also performs the important task of clarifying concepts.

Political language contains many broad and sometimes ambiguous terms, such as:

authority;

liberty;

equality;

justice;

democracy;

rights;

sovereignty;

power;

class.

Different political thinkers may use the same word in different ways.

For example, liberals and socialists may have different understandings of liberty and equality.

Political philosophy attempts to make such concepts clearer.

Conceptual clarification may involve three activities:

11.1 Analysis

Analysis means identifying the elements that constitute a concept.

11.2 Synthesis

Synthesis means identifying logical relationships between different concepts.

For example, the concept of rights is closely related to the concept of obligations.

11.3 Improvement

Improvement involves developing definitions that make political arguments clearer and more logically coherent.

12. Political Theory and Ideology

Political theory should be distinguished from ideology.

An ideology generally consists of a set of ideas used to defend or promote a particular political or social arrangement.

An ideology may support:

the existing political order; or

a proposed alternative order.

Political ideologies are usually connected with political action and particular interests.

Political theory, in contrast, aims at a more disinterested and critical examination of political questions.

This does not mean that political theorists have no values. Rather, the important point is that theoretical arguments should be subjected to rational examination instead of being accepted simply because they support a particular political interest.

The chapter therefore emphasises scholarly detachment as an important characteristic of political theory.

13. Significance of Political Theory

Political theory is important because it helps us understand, evaluate and improve political life.

Its significance can be discussed under several headings.

13.1 Understanding and Controlling Social Life

Political science helps us understand political conflict, instability, violence and other social problems.

By studying the causes of political problems, we may identify possible ways of managing or reducing them.

Political knowledge therefore has practical significance.

For example, the study of political instability can help us understand the conditions that contribute to conflict and instability and may assist in developing appropriate institutional responses.

14. Social Criticism and Reconstruction

Political philosophy provides intellectual tools for criticising existing society.

Political thinkers have often examined the problems of their times and proposed alternative ways of organising political and social life.

Thinkers such as:

Plato;

Aristotle;

Augustine;

Machiavelli;

Hobbes;

Locke;

Rousseau;

Hegel;

Marx;

J.S. Mill;

have offered different interpretations of political problems.

Their ideas should not necessarily be treated as final answers. Their importance lies partly in the insights they provide for understanding political problems and considering possible alternatives.

Political theory can therefore contribute to:

Criticism of existing society → Identification of problems → Search for alternatives → Social reconstruction

15. Clarification of Political Language

Political theory makes political discussion more precise.

Terms such as liberty, equality, democracy, authority and justice are frequently used in everyday political debates.

Without conceptual clarity, political arguments can become confused or misleading.

For example, two political groups may appear to disagree about "freedom" while actually using the term in different senses.

Clarification makes meaningful debate possible.

It allows opposing schools of thought to understand the basis of their disagreement even when they continue to hold different conclusions.

16. Promotion of Mutual Respect and Tolerance

Political theory encourages intellectual dialogue.

Political thinkers have debated many of the same fundamental questions across centuries. Their disagreements have produced different theories and perspectives.

Studying these debates teaches students to:

listen to opposing viewpoints;

identify strengths and weaknesses in arguments;

question their own assumptions;

respond through reasoning rather than hostility;

accept legitimate disagreement;

seek peaceful solutions.

Thus, political theory has an important democratic and educational function.

It encourages mutual respect, tolerance and reasoned political discussion.

17. Three Major Functions of Political Theory

The chapter broadly identifies three major functions of political theory:

17.1 Description

Political science helps describe and explain political reality.

It examines what actually happens in political life.

17.2 Criticism

Political philosophy critically examines political institutions, beliefs and values.

It asks whether existing arrangements are justified.

17.3 Reconstruction

Political theory also helps us imagine and evaluate possible improvements in political and social arrangements.

Therefore:

Political Theory

→ Description — What is happening?

→ Criticism — Is it justified?

→ Reconstruction — How can political life be improved?

This threefold function is one of the most important ideas in the chapter.

18. The Debate on the Decline of Political Theory

During the middle decades of the twentieth century, political theory faced an important intellectual challenge.

Some political scientists argued that traditional political theory had become less relevant because it concentrated heavily on classical political philosophy, abstract values and historical texts.

The rise of behaviouralism and positivism encouraged political scientists to focus more strongly on observable political behaviour and empirical research.

This produced what became known as the debate on the decline of political theory.

19. David Easton and the Decline of Traditional Political Theory

David Easton was one of the important scholars involved in this debate.

In his 1953 work The Political System, Easton criticised traditional political theory for being too speculative and insufficiently connected with empirical political reality.

According to the position described in the chapter, traditional political theory had relied heavily on classical texts and historical political thought. Easton believed political science needed stronger scientific foundations.

He therefore advocated a behavioural political science that would:

study actual political behaviour;

develop causal explanations;

use empirical methods;

establish political science as a systematic social science.

He believed political scientists should concentrate on explaining political behaviour rather than attempting to determine social values scientifically.

20. Causal Theory

A causal theory attempts to explain relationships between causes and effects.

In political science, causal analysis asks questions such as:

Why does political participation increase?

What causes political instability?

Why do citizens vote in particular ways?

What factors influence political conflict?

Causal analysis can also help researchers anticipate possible consequences when particular conditions exist.

21. Easton's Post-Behavioural Revolution

Easton's position later changed.

In 1969, he launched what became known as the post-behavioural revolution.

He increasingly argued that political science should not remain a purely academic or "pure science." Political research should also have practical relevance and help societies deal with contemporary crises.

This brought values back into political inquiry.

The post-behavioural position therefore sought to connect:

Scientific knowledge + Political values + Social relevance

Political science should not only explain political reality but should also contribute to addressing important problems of human society.

22. Alfred Cobban

Alfred Cobban also contributed to the debate about the decline of political theory.

He argued that political theory had lost some of its significance in both capitalist and communist systems.

He associated the decline partly with:

the increasing importance of bureaucracy;

large military organisations;

new forms of political organisation;

the dominance of political systems over theoretical reflection;

the influence of positivism and its emphasis on facts over values.

However, Cobban did not believe political theory was completely finished.

He maintained that political science still needed to address questions that empirical methodology alone could not adequately answer, especially questions concerning standards of judgment.

23. Seymour Martin Lipset

Seymour Martin Lipset also questioned the continuing relevance of traditional political theory.

In his discussion of American democracy, he argued that the long search for the ideal society had, to a significant degree, already been settled within the prevailing democratic order.

From this perspective, political theory appeared less necessary because the central questions concerning the desirable political order seemed to have been answered by existing democratic institutions.

This argument became part of the broader debate about whether political theory still had an important role in modern political science.

24. Leo Strauss and the Criticism of Positivism

Leo Strauss strongly opposed the attempt to remove normative questions from political theory.

He argued that a political science concerned only with observable facts could neglect fundamental questions about:

good and bad;

right and wrong;

justice;

legitimate political authority;

the desirable form of political life.

From this perspective, empirical research alone cannot determine the values that should guide political society.

Therefore, political philosophy remains essential.

25. Meaning of Positivism

Positivism is an approach that gives central importance to scientific methods and empirical observation.

It maintains that reliable knowledge should be based upon observable experience and systematic investigation.

In political studies, positivism encouraged researchers to concentrate on facts that could be observed and studied scientifically.

The strength of this approach lies in its emphasis on evidence and systematic research. However, the major criticism is that political life also involves normative questions that cannot be completely reduced to observable behaviour.

26. Dante Germino and the Revival of Political Theory

Dante Germino argued that political theory had not permanently disappeared.

He identified two important factors contributing to its decline:

The rise of positivism and excessive faith in scientific methodology.

The dominance of political ideologies, particularly Marxism, in certain intellectual contexts.

However, Germino also identified a revival of political philosophy in the works of several modern thinkers.

Among the thinkers discussed in the chapter are:

Michael Oakeshott;

Hannah Arendt;

Bertrand de Jouvenel;

Leo Strauss;

Eric Voegelin;

John Rawls;

C.B. Macpherson;

Robert Nozick;

Herbert Marcuse;

Jürgen Habermas;

Alasdair MacIntyre;

Michael Walzer.

Their work demonstrated that political philosophy continued to address fundamental questions of political existence.

27. Germino's Conception of Political Philosophy

For Germino, political philosophy is a critical examination of the principles governing human social existence.

It asks questions concerning:

right and wrong;

justice;

political order;

legitimate authority;

human purposes.

He rejected both extremes:

Extreme 1: Pure Behaviouralism

Everything is reduced to observable behaviour.

Extreme 2: Ideological Dogmatism

Certain principles are accepted as true without adequate critical examination.

Political philosophy occupies a middle position by combining knowledge of facts with critical reflection upon their meaning and significance.

28. The Socratic Function of Political Theory

One important idea in the chapter is the Socratic function of political theory.

The political theorist should not simply accept existing political power and institutions.

Instead, theory should ask difficult questions and critically examine established beliefs.

This involves the intellectual responsibility of:

questioning political authority;

examining accepted assumptions;

exposing contradictions;

challenging injustice;

speaking truth to power.

Political theory therefore has a critical and independent role in public life.

29. Herbert Marcuse's Criticism of Scientific Political Study

Herbert Marcuse warned that excessive emphasis on scientific measurement could limit critical political thinking.

For example, political participation might be measured simply by counting how many people vote in elections.

Such measurement tells us something about participation, but it does not necessarily tell us whether the electoral system itself is genuinely democratic.

Therefore, an exclusively empirical approach may measure political behaviour without asking whether the political system deserves criticism.

Marcuse's argument illustrates the danger of turning social science into an instrument of social control rather than an instrument of critical inquiry.

30. Reconciliation of Political Science and Political Philosophy

From the 1970s onward, the sharp conflict between political science and political philosophy gradually weakened.

Political philosophers increasingly recognised the usefulness of empirical knowledge.

At the same time, political scientists increasingly recognised the importance of values and normative questions.

The chapter gives examples of thinkers who combined empirical and philosophical approaches, including:

Karl Popper;

John Rawls;

C.B. Macpherson;

Herbert Marcuse;

Jürgen Habermas.

This development produced a more balanced understanding of political theory.

Political science helps us understand the means, while political philosophy helps us determine the ends.

In simple terms:

Political Science → What is possible and how things work

Political Philosophy → What is desirable and why

Together they provide a more complete understanding of political life.

31. Political Theory: Facts and Values

One of the central lessons of the chapter is that political theory cannot be reduced either to pure facts or pure values.

Facts are essential because political values must be considered in relation to actual social conditions.

At the same time, values are essential because facts alone cannot tell us what society ought to pursue.

For example, empirical research may tell us how unequal a society is. But deciding whether that inequality is just or unjust requires normative reasoning.

Similarly, empirical research can tell us how a government operates, but deciding whether its use of power is legitimate requires political philosophy.

Therefore:

Facts without values may lack direction.

Values without facts may lack practical relevance.

A meaningful political theory requires interaction between both.

Nature of Political Theory

1. Meaning of Political Theory

Political theory is the systematic study of political life, political institutions, political behaviour, political values and political objectives. It attempts to understand how political society actually functions and also examines how political life ought to be organised.

The word “theory” implies systematic and organised knowledge. Therefore, political theory is not simply a collection of opinions about politics. It involves concepts, arguments, explanations, interpretations and value judgments.

Political theory asks both factual and normative questions:

What is happening in political life?

Why is it happening?

What should political institutions do?

What kind of society is desirable?

What makes political authority legitimate?

What is justice?

What is liberty?

What is equality?

Thus, political theory connects the study of political reality with the study of political values. 

2. Nature of Political Theory

The nature of political theory can be understood through the following characteristics.

A. Political Theory is Systematic

Political theory is not an accidental collection of political ideas. It attempts to organise political knowledge systematically.

It studies political concepts and relationships in an interconnected manner.

For example, liberty cannot be studied completely without considering:

equality;

rights;

authority;

law;

state power.

Therefore, political theory develops systematic relationships between political concepts.

B. It is Both Empirical and Normative

One of the most important features of political theory is that it has both empirical and normative dimensions.

Empirical Dimension

The empirical dimension deals with facts that can be observed and investigated.

For example:

How do people vote?

How do political parties operate?

Why does political participation increase or decrease?

How do governments make decisions?

These questions concern political reality.

Normative Dimension

The normative dimension deals with values and judgments.

For example:

What should a government do?

What constitutes a just society?

How much freedom should citizens possess?

Is political inequality acceptable?

What makes political power legitimate?

The source emphasises that political theory cannot be restricted to empirical or scientific knowledge alone because political life also requires the examination of values. 

C. It is Analytical

Political theory analyses political concepts carefully.

Many political terms have broad meanings and can be interpreted differently by different thinkers.

Important examples include:

State

Power

Authority

Liberty

Equality

Justice

Democracy

Rights

Sovereignty

Political theory attempts to identify the meaning and logical structure of these concepts.

For example, political theory may analyse the relationship between rights and duties, or between liberty and authority.

D. It is Critical

Political theory does not simply accept existing political institutions and beliefs.

It critically examines them.

It asks:

> Why should we accept a particular political arrangement?

> Is it morally justified?

> Does it promote justice and freedom?

> Who benefits from the existing distribution of power?

This critical function is particularly associated with political philosophy. The purpose is not simply to imagine an ideal society but also to evaluate and criticise existing political arrangements. 

E. It is Evaluative

Political theory evaluates political institutions, practices and policies according to values.

For example, a political system may be examined in terms of:

justice;

liberty;

equality;

democracy;

rights;

welfare.

This makes political theory different from a purely descriptive study.

A political scientist may describe how a government functions, whereas political theory may additionally ask whether that functioning is good, just or legitimate.

F. It is Philosophical

Political theory has a philosophical dimension because it deals with fundamental questions about human beings, society, political authority and the good life.

Questions such as:

What is the good society?

What is justice?

Why should people obey the state?

What is the legitimate use of power?

cannot be answered simply by collecting statistics.

They require reasoning, argument and justification.

Political philosophy therefore forms an essential part of political theory. 

G. It is Scientific in its Empirical Dimension

Political theory also has a scientific dimension when it studies political facts through observation and systematic research.

Political science may proceed through:

Observation → Generalisation → Explanation → Prediction

Observation provides information about political behaviour.

Generalisation identifies patterns.

Explanation attempts to identify causes.

Prediction considers possible future outcomes.

Thus, the empirical side of political theory makes use of systematic research methods. 

H. It is Concerned with Facts and Values

A major characteristic of political theory is its concern with the relationship between facts and values.

Facts tell us about the existing political situation.

Values help us judge that situation.

For example:

Fact: A society contains economic inequality.

Value question: Is that inequality justifiable?

Political science can investigate the extent and causes of inequality, but determining whether the inequality is morally acceptable requires normative reasoning.

Therefore, political theory requires both factual understanding and value-based evaluation.

I. It is Dynamic

Political theory is not static.

Political problems change as society changes.

New questions arise concerning:

human rights;

gender equality;

environmental protection;

social justice;

technological change;

globalisation;

identity;

democracy.

Therefore, political theory continuously develops in response to new political and social circumstances.

The source similarly presents the search for political values as an ongoing process rather than a search that has a final and permanent answer. 

J. It is Both Descriptive and Prescriptive

Political theory has two important orientations.

Descriptive:

It explains political reality as it exists.

Prescriptive:

It considers how political reality ought to be.

For example:

Descriptive question: How does democracy function?

Prescriptive question: What should a genuinely democratic society look like?

This distinction helps explain the relationship between political science and political philosophy.

K. It is Critical of Ideology

Political theory should not simply become a defence of a particular political ideology.

An ideology generally seeks to support or oppose a particular distribution of power. Political theory, on the other hand, should examine political claims critically and rationally.

Therefore, political theory seeks intellectual independence from narrow partisan interests. The source describes scholarly detachment as an important characteristic of political theory. 

L. It Encourages Dialogue and Tolerance

Political theory has traditionally developed through debate among thinkers.

Different political philosophers have offered competing interpretations of:

freedom;

equality;

justice;

democracy;

authority;

the state.

Studying these disagreements encourages students to understand opposing arguments rather than rejecting them without examination.

Thus, political theory contributes to:

Dialogue + Reasoned Debate + Mutual Respect + Tolerance

The source describes political theory as a continuing intellectual conversation in which criticism and disagreement contribute to understanding. 

3. Main Components of the Nature of Political Theory

The nature of political theory can be remembered through this framework:

Dimension Main Concern

Systematic Organised political knowledge

Empirical Facts and political behaviour

Normative Values and ideals

Analytical Clarification of concepts

Critical Examination of existing arrangements

Evaluative Judgement of political institutions

Philosophical Questions of justice, good and legitimacy

Scientific Observation and systematic research

Descriptive What exists

Prescriptive What ought to exist

Dynamic Responds to changing political problems

Dialogical Encourages debate and tolerance

4. Nature of Political Theory in One Paragraph

Political theory is a systematic, analytical, critical, empirical and normative study of political life. It examines political institutions and behaviour while also investigating values such as liberty, equality, justice and democracy. It combines the factual orientation of political science with the philosophical and evaluative orientation of political philosophy. It seeks to describe political reality, explain political behaviour, clarify political concepts, evaluate existing institutions and provide ideas for social and political reconstruction. Therefore, political theory is concerned not only with what politics is, but also with what politics ought to be.

35. Conclusion

Political theory is a systematic and critical study of political life. It attempts to understand political reality while also examining the values and principles that should guide political society.

The chapter presents political theory as broadly consisting of two complementary dimensions: political science and political philosophy. Political science concentrates mainly on empirical knowledge of political behaviour and institutions, while political philosophy examines values, justification and the purposes of political life.

The significance of political theory can be summarised through three major functions: description, criticism and reconstruction. It helps us understand political reality, critically examine existing institutions and beliefs, and think about better forms of political and social organisation.

The twentieth-century debate over the decline of political theory demonstrated the tension between empirical political science and normative political philosophy. Behaviouralism and positivism emphasised scientific study of observable political behaviour, while thinkers such as Leo Strauss and Dante Germino defended the continuing importance of political philosophy. The emergence of post-behaviouralism and the later interaction between empirical and normative approaches helped bridge this divide.

The central lesson is that political life requires both knowledge of reality and reflection on values. Political science helps us understand how political systems work, while political philosophy helps us think about the purposes and values that should guide them. Political theory brings these dimensions together and therefore remains an essential part of the study of Political Science.

Source/Reference: O.P. Gauba, An Introduction to Political Theory, Mayur Paperbacks, Chapter 1 — “Nature and Significance of Political Theory.”