Political theory lies at the intersection of the contemporary disciplines of philosophy and political science. Among philosophers, political philosophy is often distinguished by its preoccupation with practical matters. Among political scientists, political theory is often understood as the least practically relevant of the major subfields. In truth, self-identified political theorists are engaged in a wide range of activities, both normative and empirical, scientific and spiritual, esoteric and practical. In addition, the history of political thought encompasses many people who would not necessarily understand themselves to be primarily political thinkers or philosophers (e.g., Julius Nyerere, Sophocles, and the Buddha).
Encyclopedia of Political Theory by
In discussing a topic, political science lecturers and course textbooks often toss out the name of a theorist or make a sideways reference to a particular theory and move on, as if assuming their student audience possesses the necessary background to appreciate and integrate the reference. However, academic librarians can tell you this is usually far from the case. Students often approach them seeking a source to provide a quick overview of a particular theory or theorist with just the basics: the who, what, where, how, and why. And librarians often find it difficult to guide these students to a quick, one-stop source. SAGE Reference presents the three-volume Encyclopedia of Political Theory, available in both print and electronic formats. This work serves as a reference source for anyone interested in the roots of contemporary political theory. Drawing together a team of international scholars, it examines the global landscape of all the key theories and the theorists behind them, presenting them in the context needed to understand their strengths and weaknesses. In addition to interpretations of long-established theories, it also offers essays on cutting-edge research as one might find in a handbook. And, like an unabridged dictionary, it provides concise, to-the-point definitions of key concepts, ideas, schools, and figures. Coverage includes: -Ancient Theory -Medieval Theory -Early Modern Theory -Enlightenment -Modern Theory -Constitutionalism -Liberalism -Critical Theory -Continental Theory -Empirical Theory -Comparative Political Thought.
Political Theory: the State of the Discipline - eBook by
Political theory draws on a number of different disciplines, such as political science, philosophy, history and law. It is a broad subfield; its practitioners, depending on their background, bring different perspectives and approaches to the study of political thought, which range from historical to normative. Moreover, political theory often draws on the insights of, as well as engages in a dialogue with, social theory, ethics and the philosophy of law. In addition, nowadays, political theory has expanded to include the study of the international (international political theory). For all these reasons, political theory is a core subject taught in a variety of academic departments. Yet, paradoxically, there has been an increasing tendency in the past few years for political theory to be marginalized in the academy. This is because so much academic policy concentrates on the main branches of the disciplines within which political theory falls. Even worse for political theory, social theory and the philosophy of law, or legal philosophy, with which it enters into fruitful dialogue, are themselves weak areas within sociology and law, respectively. The aim of this volume is to address this situation. What are the problems and challenges that political theory faces today? What is its importance as a distinctive branch of enquiry? What are its main concerns? The fact that political thought operates across disciplinary boundaries and often challenges the boundaries of the aforesaid disciplines is one of its greatest strengths."
Hannah Arendt and Political Theory - eBook by
Hannah Arendt's work has been noted for its unorthodox and eclectic style. This book aims to show that her unusual approach in fact reflects a consistent and distinctive conception of, and way of doing, political theory. This is established through close readings of her most influential works.In light of these readings Steve Buckler argues that Arendt's work is of continuing relevance in offering an important and challenging alternative to the more orthodox methods that are characteristic of modern political theory in both its analytical and post-analytical forms.Key Features*Discusses Arendt's key works - The Origins of Totalitarianism, The Human Conditionand On Revolution- alongside her less well known and posthumously published writing*Shows how Arendt framed problems with respect to specific concerns in the modern polity and democratic culture*Considers Arendt's views on totalitarianism, political theory, the concept of action, revolutions, political ethics, and the role of the thinker
