Political theory is originated as a discipline to suggest the ways for phasing out the problems and disorders created by humans. It suggests the ways for maintaining law, order and peace in society. Political theory is a value and fact based description and investigation of political problem, which tries to provide remedy to construct a sort of ideal society. It is concerned with the general welfare of the citizens of the state
Meaning of Political Theory
Political theory originated in ancient Greece. It began with the reflections of Socrates and the Sophists on politics in the 5th century BC. Political theory developed into a crystallised form through the writings of Plato and Aristotle. Despite vast changes in social and political life, political theory effectively maintained its standing as a subject of perennial philosophical concern. However, political theory with a tradition extending more than two thousand years gradually declined by the 1950s. Political Theory resurged once again in 1970s and since then remained a significant part of political studies.
Traditionally, political theory had been deeply interested in politics. The purpose of political theory has been solving the social and political problems confronting society. It has not only a normative side, but also an empirical side. It has all normative and empirical enquiries which distinguishes a political theory from political philosophy, which rests exclusively on normative assumptions.
Political theory may be understood as "a collection of individual theories, which stand side by side, each one unaffected by the impact of new observations and to the advent of new theories".
It can be said that traditional political theory is a blend of empirical explanations and normative proposals. Traditional political theory is based only on speculation and it lacked accurate observation of the political reality. Although, recent political theory is trying to redefine the issues of liberty, equality and justice in the context of ultimate values of common good. Political theory involves the analytical study of ideas and doctrines that have been central to political thought.
Definitions of Political Theory
It is impossible to provide an ideal definition of political theory, but various political scientists have tried to define it according to their own perspective. Some significant definitions of political theory is discussed below
George Holland Sabine
"Political theory is quite simply, man's attempts to consciously understand and solve the problems of his group life and organisation".
Andrew Hacker
"Political theory is a body of philosophical and scientific knowledge which, regardless of when and where it was originally written, can increase our understanding of the world in which we live today and will live tomorrow".
David Held
"It is a network of concepts and generalisations about political life involving idea, assumption and statements about the nature, purpose and key features of governments, state and society and about the political capabilities of human beings".
Weinstein
"Political theory can be viewed as an activity, which involves posing questions, developing responses to those questions and creating imaginative perspectives on the public life of human beings".
Salient Features of Political Theory
The salient features of political theory are as follows
• It is concerned with society, the state government and citizens in general.
• It describes, analyse, explain, evaluates, prescribes and predicts the political phenomenon.
• It is a mixture of philosophy, science and ideology.
• It studies the political theory with reference to other social science, economic, sociology, psychology, history and ethics.
• Its ultimate aim is to build a good society, an Ideal state and responsible human beings.
• It is a master science according to Aristotle.
• It is a dynamic discipline and suggests ways to change society. Thus, it acts as a guide to practical politics.
• According to George Cablin Political theory includes political science and political philosophy.
• The task of political theory is not only to understand and explain, but also to device ways and means to change the society.
• Political theory recommends agencies of action as well as means of reforms, revolution or conservation.
• It is concerned with both-facts and values.
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