Decline of political theory. (2023/10 Marks)

Introduction:

• The decline of political theory has been a topic of concern in the field of political science.
• David Easton's concept highlights various causes for this decline, including historicism, moral relativism, hyper factualism, and positivism.
• These factors have led to a lack of theoretical analysis and a focus on historical ideas rather than empirical data.

David Easton's Concept of Decline of Political Theory

Historicism:

• Overemphasis on historical events without analyzing current issues.
• Focus on past values and ideas without redefinition for contemporary society.
• Easton categorized thinkers into four groups under historicism:
  
  • Institutionalists: Ignored the influence of ideas on contemporary values.
  • Interactionalists: Created new theories based on past reactions.
  • Materialists: Focused on historical and cultural conditions.
  • Believers in Contemporary Values: Focused solely on historical values without empirical research.

Moral Relativism:

• Indifference and ignorance of political scientists led to a lack of pursuit for absolute truth.
• Accepted prevailing norms without questioning or providing alternatives.
• Separated political values from empirical research.
• Easton argued for the need for values, facts, rationality, and interdisciplinary collaboration for effective political theory development.

Hyper Factualism:

• Excessive reliance on easily researchable facts.
• Lack of theoretical inclination and purpose in research.
• Researchers preoccupied with data collection without broader perspectives.
• Criticized for not having a scientific approach and for relying heavily on public opinion and internal issues rather than addressing core political problems.

Positivism:

• New political ideologies formed into theories during the 19th and 20th centuries.
• Lack of open-mindedness and reductionist approach contributed to the decline.
• Emphasis on separating values and facts, leading to intellectual movements.
• Categorized positivists:
  
  • Relatively Open-Minded and Un-Dogmatic: More flexible in their approach.
  • Hyperistic (Extremely Behaviourist): Focused on behavioral aspects.
  • Hyper Factualists (Behaviourists): Overemphasis on factual data.
  • Exological Positivists: Struggled to separate values and facts.

Causes for Decline According to Easton

• Association with History: Political theory became too focused on the history of ideas.
• Neglect of Empirical Analysis: Classical and modern theorists did not develop theoretical analysis with empirical data.
• Rejection of Metaphysical Speculation: Easton advocated for political theory to be part of empirical science, rejecting metaphysical speculation and historical thought without empirical support.

Conclusion

David Easton's analysis of the decline of political theory highlighted the overemphasis on historical analysis, moral relativism, hyper factualism, and positivism. He argued for the integration of values, empirical research, and interdisciplinary approaches to revive and develop political theory, making it more relevant and scientifically grounded.