In this article you will learn about the Nature of Political Theory in Political Science.
Political Theory : Meaning
Political Theory means theory of Politics where politics means the theory of State and Government in traditional terms, and theory of political relations and interactions in modern terms. It seeks to understand, explain and analyse the political phenomena and prescribes ways and means to reform it or to rectify its shortcomings. In a very broad sense political theory is something that deals with politics or is relevant to politics. However, in its narrow sense, it is the disciplined investigation of political problems. It is a combination of disinterested search for the principles of good state and state society on the one hand and a search for knowledge of political and social reality on the other.
Several modern political scientists define political theory as a set of theories which explain various dimensions of politics. In the opinion of George Catlin, Political Theory includes Political Science and Political Philosophy. It is concerned with the phenomena of control in many forms over all the processes of the whole social field. Political Philosophy is concerned with the final value in respect of what is national good or what is a good society.
Political Theory is both empirical and normative in nature and content and it can be said that it involves both philosophy and science of state, government and politics.
Nature of Political Theory
We can identify the following features of Political Theory which bring out its nature.
- Political Theory is the theory and set of ideas of Politics. It seeks to understand, analyse and explain the phenomena of politics and also attempts to reform by rectifying the shortcomings in political life and society.
- Political Theory, like an ideology, also includes a set of values, beliefs and ideas which stand accepted by the people in the process of their governance.
- Political Theory involves systematic reflections on politics, state, government or political institutions. It is generally the intellectual and moral creature of a single thinker who offers a theoretical explanation of the political reality - the phenomena of state.
- Political Theory can be empirical or normative or both.
- Analysis, explanation, analysis, prediction and change are the goals of Political Theory.
- Scope of Political Theory covers all areas and fields of political relations.
- Finally, Political Theory is related to the state, government and political institutions. It is the handiwork of historians, philosophers, economists, sociologists, theologians, thinkers, journalists, intellectuals and all others who try to comprehend and explain the political reality.
This article on Nature of Political Theory in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.