CHAPTER- 1 POLITICAL THEORY: AN INTRODUCTION
NOTES
1. The aim of political theory is to train citizens to think rationally about political questions and to assess contemporary political events in the right manner.2. What is politics?
- Politics is a form of public service.
- Politics is an important and inseparable part of any society.
3. Mahatma Gandhi once remarked that politics has gripped us like the coils of a snake, and there is no other way but to struggle with it.
4. Whatever governments do is relevant because it affects people's lives in various ways.
5. Politics originates from the very fact of what is just and desirable for us and our society, and what is not.
6. What do we study in political theory?
- In modern times, Rousseau was the first to establish that freedom is a fundamental right of every human being.
- Karl Marx argued that equality is just as essential as freedom.
- Political theory systematically interprets the ideas and principles that have shaped our social life, government, and constitution.
- It clarifies the meaning of concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, democracy, and secularism.
- In addition to examining various arguments, political theorists also analyze our recent political experiences and identify future trends and possibilities.
- Political theory offers much for us to learn in the search for possible answers to these questions, and that is why it is highly relevant.
7. Translating political theories into practice
- Political theorists have explained what freedom or equality is and have presented various definitions of these concepts. Unlike mathematics, where a triangle or a square has only one definition, in political theory we encounter multiple definitions of equality, freedom, or justice.
- Equality– Equality must involve some form of fairness so that people are not unjustly exploited and do not fall victim to adverse conditions due to economic factors.
- Political theorists clarify the meaning of political concepts by observing how they are understood and expressed in everyday language. They also systematically discuss and examine the various interpretations and opinions related to these concepts.
8. Why should we study political theory?
- Political theory should be studied by lawyers or judges who interpret the constitution and laws, as well as by activists and journalists who expose exploitation and demand new rights.
- We are all going to become citizens empowered with the right to vote and make decisions on various issues. A basic understanding of political ideas and institutions is helpful for us to carry out our responsibilities responsibly.
- Educated and aware citizens also compel those in politics to be responsive to the people.
- Political theory encourages us to examine our thoughts and feelings about political matters.
- Political theory introduces us to systematic thinking about justice or equality, so that we can refine our ideas and engage in informed reasoning in the public interest.
