Introduction
Political theory analyses the basic questions like; How a country must be organised, why do we need a government or what do we owe to each other as citizens.
What is Political Theory?
- Political theory is concerned with the ideas and principles that systematically shape the constitution, governments, and social life. Certain values and principles, such as democracy, freedom, and equality, have inspired people and guided policies.
- The origins of these values and words need to be understood rationally and political theory helps us in that respect. Political theory explains what freedom, equality, justice, democracy, secularism, and other concepts mean.
Question for Chapter Notes: Political Theory : An Introduction
Try yourself:Which of the following is not a major tradition of Political Theory?
Explanation
While Existentialism is a philosophical movement that deals with issues related to individual freedom and personal responsibility, it is not considered a major tradition of Political Theory. The major traditions of Political Theory include Liberalism, Marxism, Feminism, Conservatism, and Socialism. These traditions provide different perspectives and approaches to understanding political issues and ideas. Liberalism emphasizes individual rights and freedoms, while Marxism emphasizes class struggle and economic inequality. Feminism focuses on issues related to gender and patriarchy, while Conservatism emphasizes tradition and social stability. Socialism emphasizes economic and social equality.
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Why do we study Political Theory?
- Different countries, such as America and India have tried to protect their fundamental values by enshrining them in their constitutions. The values such as equality, freedom, dignity, justice, peace etc have been influenced by the ideas of philosophers such as Kautilya, Aristotle, Jean Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, Karl Marx among other prominent ones.
- Although Rousseau, Marx, and Gandhi were not politicians, their ideas influenced generations of politicians around the world. It thus becomes necessary that we have a sound understanding of these political terms.
- Political theorists study the foundations of modern polity and also consider our current political experiences to identify trends and future possibilities.
Who influenced the values of the Indian constitution?
- The constitution of India is based on ideas and principles that have been debated since the time of Kautilya. Political thinkers and activists such as MK Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar have shaped the pillars of the Indian constitution.
Relevance of Political Theories in India
India is free and independent, but questions regarding freedom and equality have not ceased to crop up. We can broadly find the relevance of modern political thought in India as it concerns with the following:
- Firstly, the issue concerning freedom, equality and democracy arise in many areas of social life and they are being implemented in different sectors at different phases.
E.g: Equality may exist in the political sphere in the form of equal rights but it may not exist to the same extent in the social and economic spheres. - Secondly, though freedom is guaranteed in our Constitution, we encounter new interpretations all the time.
E.g: The right to life has been interpreted by the courts to include the right to livelihood.
The Right to information has been granted to a new law. The fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution have been amended and expanded over time through judicial interpretations and government policies which are designed to address new problems. - Thirdly, as our world changes, we may discover new dimensions of freedom as well as new threats to freedom.
E.g: global communications technology is making it easier for activists to network with one another across the world for protecting tribal cultures or forests. But it also enables terrorists and criminals to network.
As a result, questions are raised regarding how much freedom should be given to people using the net.
Question for Chapter Notes: Political Theory : An Introduction
Try yourself:Which of the following is not a concept of Political Theory?
Explanation
While competition is a concept that is relevant to political systems, it is not typically considered a central concept in Political Theory. The major concepts of Political Theory include power, authority, sovereignty, justice, equality, liberty, democracy, and citizenship. These concepts are used to analyze political systems and institutions, and to evaluate different forms of government and social organization. Power refers to the ability to influence or control the behavior of others, while authority is the right to exercise power. Representation refers to the process by which people are elected or appointed to speak or act on behalf of others.
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Putting Political Theory To Practice
- The only aspect focused on the political theory is that which deals with the origins meanings and significance of the political ideas that we are familiar with such as freedom, equality, citizenship, justice, development, nationalism, secularism. Various political theorists have provided diverse definitions of freedom or equality and you may find the distinct definition of equality or freedom or justice.
- Political theorists clarify the meaning of political concepts by looking at how they are understood and used in ordinary language. They also debate and examine the diverse meanings and opinions in a systematic manner.
- This is because terms like equality concern our relationships with other human beings rather than with things. Human beings, unlike things, have opinions on issues like equality.
- Example: People often jump the queue in shops or doctor’s waiting rooms or government offices. Some people cannot have the access to these shops and other goods and services because of monetary constraints.
- Thus, our idea of equality is quite complex, also the reason behind the many definitions is because the meaning of equality is dependent on the context.
As in the case of equality and other subjects such as Freedom, Citizenship, Rights, Justice, Development, Equality, Nationalism and Secularism; the political theorists engage with everyday opinions, debate possible meanings and thrash out policy options.
Why should we study Political Theory?
- Firstly, political theory is relevant to all of the aforementioned target groups. Even as high school students, we may choose one of the aforementioned professions in the future, making it relevant to us indirectly at present.
- Secondly, as citizens entitled to vote and make decisions on other issues, it is helpful to possess a basic knowledge of the political concepts and institutions that shape the world in which we live in order to act responsibly.
- Thirdly, freedom, equality, and secularism are not abstract issues in our lives. Discrimination of various sorts is encountered by people every day in families, schools, colleges, shopping malls, and other places. Political theory encourages us to examine our ideas and emotions about political matters.
- Finally, as students, we enjoy participating in debates and elocution competitions. We have opinions about what is right or wrong, just or unjust, but we are unsure if they are reasonable. Political theory exposes us to systematic thinking on justice or equality so that we can refine our opinions and argue in an informed manner, for the sake of the common good.
Question for Chapter Notes: Political Theory : An Introduction
Try yourself:Which of the following is not a major type of government discussed in Political Theory?
Explanation
While corporations can have significant influence in political systems, they are not typically considered a major type of government in Political Theory. The major types of government discussed in Political Theory include democracy, monarchy, aristocracy, oligarchy, and dictatorship. These different types of government have different forms of authority and power structures, and they vary in terms of the level of participation and representation of citizens. Democracy is a form of government in which citizens have a direct or indirect say in decision-making, while monarchy is a form of government in which power is vested in a single individual, typically a king or queen. Aristocracy is a form of government in which power is held by a small group of people, typically the aristocracy or nobility, while oligarchy is a form of government in which power is held by a small group of individuals or families.
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