Political Theory: An Introduction Notes in English Class 11 Political Science Chapter-1 Book-2

 

 Humans are unique in two ways

• Man has a conscience 

• Humans have the ability to communicate

• Humans can express their thoughts through language    

What is politics?

What is Politics ?

• People have different views about politics.

• Leaders and people contesting elections may say that politics is a form of public service.

• Other people associated with politics see politics as a matter of manipulation

• For many others, politics is what politicians do.

• Some people believe that politics is a way to reach power. When people see leaders changing parties, making false promises and tall claims, manipulating different sections of society, resorting to heinous violence to fulfill their personal or collective interests, they associate politics with 'scams'.

• This kind of thinking is so prevalent that when we see people in different walks of life trying to further their own selfish interests by every possible means, we say that they are doing politics.

You must have heard people saying this – 

• “I am not interested in politics or I stay away from politics.” 

• Not only the common people are disappointed with politics,  but the businessmen and entrepreneurs who benefit from it and donate money to various political parties also blame politics for their problems on a daily basis.

• Cinema actors also often speak ill of politics.

• It is a different matter that as soon as they join this game, they adapt themselves according to the needs of this game.

What is politics?

What is Politics ?

It is not easy to define it because different scholars have different views about politics. Some scholars consider politics as the art of ruling and some scholars consider politics to be an art of running the administration properly.

• Politics works to resolve disputes that arise during running the administration .

• The welfare of the people can be done through politics . 

• Politics helps in taking decisions for the development of the country . 

• Politics is an important part of the society .

• At present, politics has become linked with personal interest .  

Political theory 

Political Theory 

What is political theory?

What is political theory? It is not easy to define it because different scholars have different views about political theory. Some scholars consider political theory as a means of reform in politics.

Political theory analyzes basic questions  

• What is society ?  

• How society should be united, why do we need government . 

• Which is the best form of government ? 

• Does the law limit our freedom ? 

• Does the law limit our freedom ? 

• What are our responsibilities as citizens ? 

What do we study in political theory  ?

• Equality

• Freedom

• Justice

• Rights 

• Democracy 

• Secularism

• Constitution

• Scholarly views 

• Marxism 

• Idealism 

• Liberalism

• Socialism 

Why should we study political theory?

• If we have knowledge of political theory then we will be able to take appropriate decision during future problems.

• To become an aware citizen and to awaken political consciousness it is necessary to have knowledge of political theory.

• Through political theory, we get knowledge of different ideologies. Through which we can choose the right leader by casting our vote.

• It is also necessary to study political theory to eliminate prejudices from the society and establish unity.

• To give inspiration and right direction to the movement.

• We should study political theory to learn the art of taking right decision after debate, argument and assessing the pros and cons.

• To understand rights and duties, one should study political theory.

• To gain knowledge about governance, one must read political theory.

• One must study political theory to make policies for the country.

• To gain knowledge about the usefulness of democracy one should study political theory.

• Political theory must be studied to make future plans.

• Political theory should be studied to promote international peace and cooperation.

• Political theory should be studied to study different systems of governance.

• As a student one must study political theory.

Importance of political theory 

• Development of systematic thinking about justice and equality

• Communicating effectively and logically

• Helpful in making efficient and effective political decisions

• to obtain information about the international world

Putting political theory into practice 

In this book we have confined ourselves to only one aspect of political theory- 

• We will study the origin, meaning and significance of political ideas such as liberty, equality, citizenship, justice, development, nationalism and secularism. When we start debating or arguing about an issue, we often ask 'What does it mean?' and 'How is it important?'

• Political theorists have explained what freedom or equality is and have presented various definitions of it. Just as there is a definition of triangle or square in mathematics, similarly in political theory we come across definitions of equality, freedom or justice.

• Terms like equality concern our relations with other human beings rather than with things.

• Unlike objects, humans have opinions on issues such as equality. You may have noticed that people often break queues in government offices, doctor's waiting rooms or shops and move ahead. Sometimes we feel happy when those who do so are asked to go back in the queue. Sometimes they move ahead and we feel cheated.

• We oppose it because we want equal opportunity to get the goods or facilities we pay for. So, when we pay attention to our experience, we understand that equality means equal opportunity for everyone.

• Nevertheless, if there are separate counters for the elderly and handicapped, we believe that special treatment to them is justified.

• It is very difficult to put liberty and equality into practice. We must adopt them by abandoning our prejudices. Through the study of political theory, we can test our thoughts and feelings about political systems.

• We can understand that only aware citizens can develop the country, political principles are not a thing, they are related to human beings. For example, equality means equal opportunity for all, yet separate arrangements have been made for women, old people or handicapped people. Hence, we can say that complete equality is not possible, a logical basis for discrimination is necessary.