PPT: Political Theory : An Introduction | Political Science Class 11 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Political Theory
Page 2


Political Theory
Introduction to Political 
Theory
Human beings are unique in two respects: they possess reason and the 
ability to reflect on their actions. They also have the capacity to use 
language and communicate with each other. Political theory has its roots 
in the twin aspects of the human self. It analyses certain basic questions 
such as how should society be organised?
Page 3


Political Theory
Introduction to Political 
Theory
Human beings are unique in two respects: they possess reason and the 
ability to reflect on their actions. They also have the capacity to use 
language and communicate with each other. Political theory has its roots 
in the twin aspects of the human self. It analyses certain basic questions 
such as how should society be organised?
What is Politics?
The Role of Politics in Society
We need to realise that politics is an important and integral part of any 
society. Mahatma Gandhi once observed that politics envelops us like 
the coils of a snake and there is no other way out but to wrestle with it. 
No society can exist without some form of political organisation and 
collective decision making.
Page 4


Political Theory
Introduction to Political 
Theory
Human beings are unique in two respects: they possess reason and the 
ability to reflect on their actions. They also have the capacity to use 
language and communicate with each other. Political theory has its roots 
in the twin aspects of the human self. It analyses certain basic questions 
such as how should society be organised?
What is Politics?
The Role of Politics in Society
We need to realise that politics is an important and integral part of any 
society. Mahatma Gandhi once observed that politics envelops us like 
the coils of a snake and there is no other way out but to wrestle with it. 
No society can exist without some form of political organisation and 
collective decision making.
Importance of Government
1
Formation and Function
How governments are formed and how they function is thus an 
important focus of politics.
2
Impact on Lives
What governments do is relevant because it affects the lives of 
the people in many different ways.
Page 5


Political Theory
Introduction to Political 
Theory
Human beings are unique in two respects: they possess reason and the 
ability to reflect on their actions. They also have the capacity to use 
language and communicate with each other. Political theory has its roots 
in the twin aspects of the human self. It analyses certain basic questions 
such as how should society be organised?
What is Politics?
The Role of Politics in Society
We need to realise that politics is an important and integral part of any 
society. Mahatma Gandhi once observed that politics envelops us like 
the coils of a snake and there is no other way out but to wrestle with it. 
No society can exist without some form of political organisation and 
collective decision making.
Importance of Government
1
Formation and Function
How governments are formed and how they function is thus an 
important focus of politics.
2
Impact on Lives
What governments do is relevant because it affects the lives of 
the people in many different ways.
Different Visions
Just and desirable for society
1
Negotiations
Multiple discussions in society
2
Collective Decisions
Outcome of negotiations
3
To sum up, politics arises from the fact that we have different visions of what is just and desirable for us and our society. It 
involves the multiple negotiations that go on in society through which collective decisions are made.