Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Political Science I.

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Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Political Science I

Transcript of Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Political Science I.

Page 1: Foundations of Contemporary Political Theory Political Science I.

Foundations of Contemporary Political TheoryPolitical Science I

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What are the major political theories in modern American Society?

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Social Contract Theory

• Individuals possess free will, and every individual is equally endowed with the God-given right of self-determination and the ability to consent to be governed (Harrison & Harris, 2011)

• Built on the conventional notion about the role of government and the relationship of the government to the people

• All individuals are free and equal by natural right, and in turn all people are required to give their consent to be governed

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Social Contract Theory (continued)

• This theory came out during the early beginnings of the “Age of Enlightenment,” which was a philosophical movement that stressed the importance of individuality, reason, and scientific endeavor

• This drastically changed how people thought about government and the rights of citizens

• Although many political theorists were a part of the “Age of Enlightenment,” three philosophers made a significant impact on American society

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Social Contract Theory (continued)

• Thomas Hobbes (1588–1679)• An English philosopher whose most notable work

is detailed in the book, The Leviathan (1651)• Theorized that government was a “state of nature”

and without enforceable rules, people would live like animals

• Argued strongly for a single ruler because it would guarantee the rights for both the weak and the strong

• Favored absolute monarchies

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Social Contract Theory (continued)

• John Locke (1632–1704)• An English philosopher who expanded on the Social Contract Theory

in the Second Treatise on Civil Government• Emphatically rejected Hobbes’ notion of the divine right of Kings• Believed in unalienable rights (Life, Liberty and Property)

• These ideals were crucial in shaping Thomas Jefferson’s articulation of the role government and the rights of people in the Declaration of Independence

• When citizens enter into the “social contract,” they do so with an understanding that the government will protect their natural rights

• Citizens agree to accept the government authority, but if the government fails to protect the individuals, the citizens then have the right to rebel• This is the foundation of political theory in American society today

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Social Contract Theory (continued)

• Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778)• A French philosopher who expanded on the Social Contract Theory by

stating that the theory relies on Popular Sovereignty• Outlined his theory in his book The Social Contract• Argued that feeling, as opposed to reason, draws people into life in a

community• Believed that society was based on a true social contract and it would

provide absolute equality and freedom for individuals• Government is the instrument for carrying out the people’s will• To combat the selfish acts of the people, government should also have

proper limits to avoid absolute power of one individual

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Capitalism

• The economic theory of capitalism holds that the government should interfere with the economy as little as possible

• Businesses are allowed to operate freely in a marketplace • Individuals are expected to rely on initiative• Establishes economic security

• Businesses control the means of production and price• Individuals decide what they will buy and at what price• The capitalist theory follows the Lockean principle of the

“right to property” and protection from government intervention on the consumer

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Who are the classical political theorists who had an effect on contemporary politics?

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Plato (427 B.C.E.–347 B.C.E.)

• In his book on ancient political theory, The Republic, Plato explores two central questions• What is justice?• What is happiness?

• Although Plato’s dialogue is mainly political, he approaches a wide range of subjects in The Republic, including art, women, the afterlife, and ethics

• Humans live in the specific political communities which make them the happy

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Plato (427 B.C.E.–347 B.C.E.)(continued)

• Plato’s political philosophy in ancient Greek democracy has influenced several political philosophers including Aristotle and Cicero

• Justice must be a part of the political society and each group must perform its appropriate function• Rulers must rule • Warriors must protect • Producers must produce

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Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)

• A student of Plato • His most famous political work is entitled Politics• He described politics as a practical science because it

seeks to create, preserve, and reform• He addresses the idea of a “politician”

• The politician is the “lawgiver,” or the person that provides the framework for the city-state

• The word “politician” is still used today to identify government officials who work to preserve and protect the framework of our U.S Constitution

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Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)(continued)

• Classifies government into 5 different forms which have since transformed to become modern day governments and the model of contemporary political thought• Democracy = rule by the many (i.e. modern day America)• Oligarchy = rule by the few (i.e. 20th century South Africa)• Aristocracy = rule by the few (i.e. modern day Saudi Arabia)• Kingship = absolute rule (i.e. modern day Great Britain)• Tyranny = overthrowing rule (seen in many Middle Eastern

countries that are experiencing the “Arab Uprising,” including Tunisia, Bahrain, and Egypt)

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Aristotle (384 B.C.E.–322 B.C.E.)(continued)

• His classical theories continue to have a deep impact today and have transformed to influence contemporary political thought because of his statements about the relationship between the people and the government• His Politics discusses some of the following issues which

are still apparent in contemporary society:• The role of human nature in politics• The rule of law• The analysis and evaluation of a constitution• The causes and cures for political change and political revolutions

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Cicero (106 B.C.E.–43 B.C.E.)• Heavily influenced by Plato’s Republic • His three famous texts

• De Republica (On the Republic)• De Legibus (On Laws)• De Officiis (On Duties)

• A member of the Senate in the Roman Empire• He, like Plato, comments on the concepts of justice in society

• Politics cannot exist without ethics• Corruption of political power is self-advantageous• The people have a right to expose unethical behavior• The rule of law (i.e. one of the principles in the US Constitution)

• His theory of exposing corruption has evolved into a contemporary political theory not only in the US but also countries like Egypt and Libya (i.e. tyranny of the majority)

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What are the contemporary political theories?

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Contemporary Political Theories

• The characteristics of contemporary political theory have evolved over time dating back to the foundations of the ancient political philosophers

• Contemporary political theory began shortly after World War II, which began a new era of social and political change

• Contemporary political theory aims to solve political problems that are being faced by modern nations; these theories explain the roles of government and the people, religion, economy, welfare, and the importance of democracy

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Contemporary Political Theories (continued)

• Over the years, political scientists have created eight contemporary theories which explain the development of countries in both modern and developing worlds:• Rational Choice Theory • Modernization Theory • Developmentalism Theory • Behavioralism Theory • Post-Behavioralism Theory • Structural-Functionalism Theory • Systems Theory • New Institutionalism Theory

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Contemporary Political Theories: Rational Choice Theory • A popular theory in political science to explain the actions of voters as well as

politicians• It assumes that individuals act in their own best interest carefully weighing the

costs and benefits of possible alternatives • Created by Anthony Downs• Aggregate distribution of political opinion forms a bell-shaped curve • Causes politicians to form a centrist position in order for them to be successful• Creates a working model of the relationship between citizens, parties, and

policy• Includes the following ideas

• Voters want to maximize the chance that the policies they favor will be adopted by the government

• Parties want to win office• In order to win office, they must do what it takes to win the votes

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Contemporary Political Theories: Modernization Theory • The connection of economic development in a country to

the creation of a democratic government• The three factors that involve Modernization Theory

• Identifying the difference between a modern and a non-modern society

• Identifying how a society becomes modern • Identifying how some parts of a modern society will fit together

• The economic growth in a developing society also creates social and culture changes in which these developed countries typically take on the characteristics of the advanced Western societies

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Contemporary Political Theories: Developmentalism Theory • An economic theory which identifies how countries develop their economy

by creating a strong internal market• There are four basic principles of the Developmentalism Theory:

• Citizens support a government or regime when their economic welfare is developing

• The role of the government is to combine their interests with the interests of the entrepreneurs so that they can advance their national interests

• Bureaucrats separate themselves from politicians in order to maintain a leadership structure

• A capitalist economic system is only necessary when the country is ready to engage in the international economic market for its own national gain

• Can be found as the economic model for several countries in Latin America and Asia

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Contemporary Political Theories: Behavioralism Theory • Examines the behaviors and actions of individuals

rather than government institutions• Attempts to explain the behavior of the people and

how it relates to the political system• Assumes that political institutions largely reflect

underlying social forces• The study of politics should begin with society, culture, and

public opinion

• Studies how individuals behave in a group setting, rather than what the expected norms of behavior are in the society

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Contemporary Political Theories: Post-Behavioralism Theory • States that too much emphasis is put on the trivial

masses• Academic research must be valued in society• The chief proponent of Post-Behavioralism is David

Easton • Intellectuals play a positive role in society and can

affect decision-making • The Post-Behavioralism Theory is a way to handle new

advances in technology and the effect of technology on society

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Contemporary Political Theories: Structural-Functionalism Theory • Claims that society is a system of parts, all of which serve a function

together for the overall effectiveness and efficiency of society• Society is built upon order, interrelation, and balance among each part as a

means for maintaining a functioning society• Based on seven assumptions

• Systems have a property of order and an interdependence of parts• Systems tend toward self-maintaining order• Systems must orderly process change• Change in one part of the system effect all parts of the system• Systems maintain boundaries in their environment• Allocation and integration are fundamental in creating equilibrium• Systems try to control change so it does not create imbalance

• Saw a rapid decline in societies with the rise of Communism in the 1960s

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Contemporary Political Theories: Systems Theory • A highly abstract and holistic view of politics; the political system is

always changing when it comes to the decision-making process• Was created by David Easton who simplified the theory into five steps

• Changes in the social and physical environment produce demand and support through political behavior

• These demands and groups stimulate competition in the political system• After a decision is made it interacts with the environment and produces change

in the environment • The new decisions create either new demands for society or support against the

new decisions• The feedback leads back to step one and it is a never ending cycle of decision-

making

• Systems Theory was highly influential in the creation of modern day Pluralist Theory in the US

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Contemporary Political Theories: New Institutionalism Theory

• Emerged over the last twenty-five years, but is not widely accepted as a legitimate political theory; however, it cannot be ignored

• Does not constitute a unified body of thought; consists of three different analytical approaches:• Rational-Choice Institutionalism• Historical Institutionalism• Sociological Institutionalism

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How has contemporary political theory affected social and political change in the US?

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Social Movements: The Second Wave of Feminism• Has emerged over the last twenty-five years, • Began in the 1960s• An example of Behavioralism Theory • Ignited by the Betty Friedan book, The Feminine

Mystique• Ushered in proposed political legislation which

would expand rights to women in America

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Political change: The Tea Party

• A grassroots movement with a foundation of Christian values that are embedded in the founding governmental documents

• Gained momentum in 2010 after several of their members won congressional seats

• A modern day example of the contemporary political theory known as Systems Theory because they have created competition with not only Democrats, but also Republicans

• The decisions of the Tea Party are received with both support and criticism by the American public

• The decision-making process is still a continuous cycle in which politicians will argue about what is the best course for the US government

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What careers are available in the contemporary political world?

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Political Analyst• Studies the origin, development, and operation of political systems

• Researches topics such as • Public policy• Public opinion• Decision-making • Political ideology

• Has a variety of responsibilities such as• Consulting with government officials, the media, and political parties• Evaluating public policies • Identifying issues that should be researched• Interpreting and analyzing policies

• Requires at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with an academic major in an area of study which includes politics, government, or foreign relations

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Political Researcher• Participates in all aspects of the government including

• Political campaigns• Political polls (pollsters)• Lobbying

• Requires an in-depth knowledge of the political process which can be obtained through a formal education in college or experience in the field of politics• A bachelor’s degree in a political field is usually important

• Must possess strong written and verbal skills so they can provide a clear and understandable analysis of their research

• May require an advanced degree in political science or economics

• Although most of the research is done alone, political researchers must have strong interpersonal skills so they can interview resources to support their theories

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Resources• Beardsley, Phillip. "A Critique of Post-Behavioralism." Political Theory. 5.1 (1977): 97-11.

Print.• Bertram, Christopher, "Jean Jacques Rousseau", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

(Winter 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2012/entries/rousseau/

• Clayton, Edward. "Cicero." Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: a peer-reviewed academic resource. Central Michigan University: 2001.

• Easton, David. "The New Revolution in Political Science." American Political Science Review. 63.4 (1969): 1051-1061. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/1955071?uid=3739960&uid=2134&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101825248103

• Fisher, John. "Systems Theory and Structural Functionalism." 21st Century Political Science: a Reference Handbook. (1): n. page. Web. 26 Mar. 2013.

• Hackett, Lewis. "The European Dream of Progress and Enlightenment." The Age of Enlightenment. History World International , n.d. Web. April 1, 2013. http://history-world.org/age_of_enlightenment.htm

• Harris, Harrison. American Democracy Now. 2nd. New York City: McGraw Hill, 2011. Ch. 2, 16, 17 & 18. Print.

• Immergut, Ellen. "The Theoretical Core of the New Institutionalism." Politics & Society. 26.1 (1998): 5-34. Print. http://bama.ua.edu/~sborrell/psc521/immergut.pdf

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Resources (continued)

• Kraut, Richard, "Plato", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/plato/

• Shields, Christopher, "Aristotle", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2012 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/sum2012/entries/aristotle/

• Political Science: Behavioralism. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2013. • Przeworski, Adam, and Fernando Limongi. "Modernization: Theory and Facts." World

Politics. 49.2 (1997): 155-183. Web. 26 Mar. 2013. http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/25053996?uid=3739960&uid=2&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=2

• Smith, Tony "Requiem or New Agenda for Third World Studies?" World Politics, Vol. 37, No. 4 (Jul., 1985) pp. 538–547. Web. 22 Mar. 2013. http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/2010343?uid=3739960&uid=2134&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&uid=3739256&sid=21101825248103

• The US Declaration of Independence http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html

• Locke, John. “Second Treatise Of Government” http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7370/7370-h/7370-h.htm