POLITICAL SCIENCE

SEMESTER - II
 MODULE 1 :
POLITICAL THEORY
Topics:
1. Meaning, Defination, Types and
Significance of Political Theory
2. Decline and Resurgence of Political
Theory
3. Impact of Political Theory on Society
& Law
Topic 1 : Meaning, Defination, Types
and Significance of Political Theory
Political theories
Political theories encompass a wide range of
ideas and perspectives about the
organization, governance, and power
dynamics within societies.

They seek to understand and provide

explanations for political phenomena and
offer normative frameworks for evaluating
political systems and practices.
 Meaning
Political theories are conceptual frameworks that
analyze and interpret political phenomena,
including the nature of power, authority,
governance, and political institutions.

They explore questions such as the origins of

political authority, the legitimacy of
governments, the distribution of power, and the
rights and obligations of citizens.
Definition:
Political theories can be defined as systematic and
coherent frameworks of ideas and principles that
seek to understand, explain, and evaluate political
phenomena, institutions, and practices.
They often draw upon diverse disciplines such as
philosophy, sociology, economics, and history to
provide insights into political dynamics.
LEGISLATIVE
EXECUTIVE
JUDICIARY
 TYPES of
POLITICAL THEORY
1. Normative Political Theories:
These theories focus on how politics ought to
be or what constitutes a just and legitimate
political order.

Examples include
theories of justice
(e.g., liberalism, communitarianism) and
theories of democracy (e.g., deliberative
democracy, participatory democracy).
2. Descriptive Political Theories:
2. Descriptive Political Theories: These
theories aim to describe and explain political
phenomena as they exist in the real world.
They analyze power dynamics, political
institutions, and behavior without necessarily
making value judgments. Examples include
realism, liberalism, and Marxism.
3. Critical Political Theories:
3. Critical Political Theories: These theories
challenge existing power structures and seek to
uncover underlying power dynamics and
inequalities.

Critical theories often emphasize issues such as

class, race, gender, and colonialism.

Examples include feminism, critical race theory,

and post-colonial theory.
 Significance of
Political Theory

1. Understanding Political Phenomena:

Political theories provide frameworks for

understanding the complexities of politics,
including the nature of power, authority,
and governance.
2. Evaluation of Political Systems:

They offer criteria for evaluating political

systems and practices, such as democracy,
justice, and equality, helping societies assess
the legitimacy and effectiveness of their
institutions.
3. Guiding Political Action:

Political theories inform political

activism and policymaking by offering
principles and values to guide action
and decision-making.
4. Promoting Debate and Dialogue:

By presenting different perspectives

and interpretations of political
phenomena, theories stimulate debate
and dialogue, fostering intellectual
engagement and critical thinking.
In essence, political theories are
indispensable tools for analyzing,
critiquing, and shaping the political
landscape, providing frameworks for
understanding, evaluating, and
transforming political systems and
practices.
POLITICAL THEORIES
1. LIBERALISM:
Definition: Liberalism is a political and social philosophy that
emphasizes individual freedom, equality, and the protection of civil
liberties. It advocates for limited government intervention in the
economy, social progress, and tolerance of diverse viewpoints.

Example: The Indian National Congress (INC) is often associated with

liberalism. As one of India's oldest political parties, the INC has
historically championed democratic principles, secularism, and social
justice. It advocates for policies that promote economic development,
social welfare, and the protection of civil liberties. Additionally, the
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is another example of liberalism in India, with
its focus on anti-corruption, participatory governance, and grassroots
democracy. These parties promote liberal values such as individual
rights, freedom of expression, and inclusive growth in the Indian
political landscape.
1. LIBERALISM:
--> Advocates for individual rights, limited
government intervention, and free markets.

Principles: Emphasis on individual liberty,

equality, rule of law, and democratic
governance.
Key Figures: John Locke, Adam Smith
2. CONSERVATISM:
Definition: Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that
prioritizes traditional values, institutions, and practices. It advocates for
gradual change and the preservation of established societal norms and
structures.

Example: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India is often associated

with conservatism. The party emphasizes Hindu nationalist ideology,
traditional cultural values, and a strong stance on national security. It
advocates for policies that promote economic growth while preserving
Indian cultural heritage and traditions. Additionally, the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organization closely
aligned with the BJP, promotes conservative values and plays a
significant role in shaping the party's ideology and policies.
2. CONSERVATISM:
--> Favors tradition, hierarchy, and gradual
societal change.

Principles: Preservation of societal institutions,

skepticism towards radical change, and
emphasis on community and order.
Key Figures: Edmund Burke, Michael
Oakeshott
3. SOCIALISM:
Definition: Socialism is an economic and political
system where the means of production are
collectively owned and controlled. It prioritizes the
welfare of the community over individual profit.

Example: The Communist Party of India (Marxist)

(CPI-M) advocates for socialist policies such as land
reform and workers' rights. It has implemented
policies to improve living standards in states like
Kerala and West Bengal.
3. SOCIALISM:
--> Advocates for collective ownership of
the means of production and
redistribution of wealth.

Principles: Pursuit of economic equality,

social justice, and the elimination of class
distinctions.
Key Figures: Karl Marx Rosa Luxemburg.
4. COMMUNISM:
4. COMMUNISM:
Definition: A form of socialism advocating
for the abolition of private property and the
establishment of a classless society.

Principles: Abolition of capitalism,

establishment of a dictatorship of the
proletariat, and eventual withering away of
the state.
Definition: Communism is a socio-economic ideology advocating
for a classless society where the means of production are
collectively owned and controlled by the community. It aims to
achieve equality and eliminate social classes through a
revolutionary process.

Example: The Communist Party of India (CPI) is an example of

communism in India. The party has a history of advocating for the
rights of workers, peasants, and marginalized communities. It has
been involved in various movements and struggles to address
issues of land reform, labor rights, and social justice. While the CPI
has participated in electoral politics and coalition governments, it
continues to promote communist ideals and principles in its efforts
to bring about social and economic transformation in India.
Key Figures: Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, Mao
Zedong.
5. FEMINISM
Definition: Feminism is a social and political movement advocating
for the equality of the sexes and the empowerment of women. It
seeks to address and dismantle gender-based inequalities and
discrimination.

Example: The All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA) is

an example of feminism in India. AIDWA is a women's organization
affiliated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) that
works towards gender equality and social justice. It focuses on
issues such as violence against women, gender wage gaps, and
women's rights to education and employment. AIDWA organizes
campaigns, protests, and advocacy efforts to challenge patriarchal
norms and advance the rights and interests of women in Indian
society.
5. FEMINISM:
--> Advocates for gender equality and the
dismantling of patriarchal structures.

Principles: Striving for equal rights,

opportunities, and treatment for all genders,
challenging gender norms and stereotypes,
and promoting intersectionality.
Key Figures: Simone de Beauvoir,
Bell Hooks.
2. Decline and Resurgence of
Political Theory
The decline of Political Theory refers to a period
in which there is a reduced interest, scholarly
focus, and relevance given to the study and
application of political theory.

This decline can manifest in various ways, such as

decreased enrollment in political theory courses,
fewer academic publications in the field, and a
shift in emphasis towards other areas of political
science, such as empirical research or behavioral
analysis.
Additionally, the decline may be
characterized by criticisms of political
theory as
- being disconnected from practical
politics and policymaking,
- leading to a devaluation of its
importance in academic and public
discourse.
Decline of Political Theory
 Decline of Political Theory

Definition: Reduction in interest and

scholarly focus on political theory.

Indicators: Decreased enrollment in

courses, fewer publications.

Critique: Viewed as disconnected

from practical politics.
Causes of Decline
 Causes of Decline

Specialization: Fragmentation within academia.

Technological Shifts: Emphasis on quantitative

methods.

Shift in Focus: Pragmatic approaches gain

prominence.
Resurgence of Political Theory
GLOBALISATION
Resurgence of Political Theory
Critical Theory: Challenges power
structures.

Globalization: Complexities demand

theoretical understanding.Interdisciplinary

Collaboration: Integration with sociology,

philosophy.
Future
Directions
 Future Directions

Intersectionality: Incorporating diverse

perspectives.

Ethics and AI: Addressing ethical

dilemmas.

Global Governance: Developing theories

for transnational politics.
3. Impact
of
Political
Theory on
Society &
Law
Impact of Political Theory on Society and Law

Explanation: Political theory plays a crucial role in

shaping societal norms and legal frameworks.

This presentation explores the intricate relationship

between political ideology, society, and law.
Foundations of Political Theory

Foundational Principles

--> Justice, Equality, Liberty, Authority.

Explanation: These principles form the bedrock

of political theory and significantly influence
societal values and norms, which in turn shape
laws and governance systems.
Influence on Society

Title: Societal Impact

Different political ideologies (e.g., liberalism,

socialism, conservatism) have distinct effects on
societal structures and behavior.

Examples: How liberalism promotes individual rights,

socialism advocates for collective welfare, and
conservatism emphasizes tradition and stability.
Impact on Law

Title: Legal Implications

Connection: Political theory directly influences the

formulation and interpretation of laws.

Examples: How legal frameworks reflect underlying

political ideologies, such as laws protecting
individual freedoms in liberal democracies or
redistributive policies in socialist systems.