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On the Problem of Methodology and the Nature of Political Theory
The author identifies the dilemma on how and why learners and other scholars should understand the works related to political theory. Ashcraft’s analysis identifies the issue which has crippled the process of passing knowledge of political theory (Ashcraft 6). According to the author, the problem of the methodology of passing the knowledge theoretically has made the issue look simply as related only to knowledge. However, the current problem facing the process of learning political knowledge has preoccupied most scholars which has led to the abandoning of other issues facing the discipline.
The author tries to correlate how focusing on the methodology of passing political theory has led to the assumption of other problems facing the science. Ashcraft argues that the issue of the methodology of passing knowledge related to the discipline is bound to be debated with the emergence of new social classes (24). He also identifies, through reference to history, that if scholars are certain that political philosophy serves a more important purpose than providing an account of political reality, then it is not necessary that the methodology of study should be a concern.
The author concludes by identifying that adhering to the boundaries of the discipline will help the criteria selected from philosophy serve to remove important features of political life. Also, Ashcraft identifies that the works of historical philosophers should be able to direct scholars on how to proceed from history to theorizing political life in the present (22). The correlation helps in solving most political dilemmas surrounding the present state of philosophy.
Discussion Questions
- What do behaviourists and traditionalists advocate for?
Behaviourists are against the tradition practiced in political philosophy which advocates for studying as a means of theorizing solutions to present issues related to politics while traditionalists support the process of learning past works on the discipline to be able to solve related issues.
- What does Thomas Kuhn say about the topic of political philosophy?
In his book, Thomas Kuhn identifies that it is necessary to study the historical development of science to be able to clearly understand it procedural rules.
- What does Ashcraft identify as the reason why Locke’s theory is considered political?
Ashcraft identifies the relevance of arguments presented by Locke on the topic of exercise of political power to an extent of political movement within his community.
Works Cited
Ashcraft, Richard. “On the problem of methodology and the nature of political theory.” Political Theory 3.1 (1975): 5-25.