Political Theory

Takashi Inoguchi

Theory is defined as a set of propositions that is internally consistent and based on a certain set of axioms and assumptions. Theory must be logically derivable in all cases. It must be politically persuasive, especially when it deals with norms. It must be empirically verifiable when it deals with reality. Therefore, political theory is defined as a set of propositions about “who gets what, when, how” (Harold Lasswell) and “the authoritative allocation of values in society” (David Easton). Thus defined, political theory covers a very wide range of subjects in the form of propositions. In what follows, first the origins and types of political theory are examined. Among the types of political theory, this entry takes into account the following three: (1) classical philosophy, (2) empirical political theory, and (3) formal political theory. Next, this entry examines schools of political theory and their evaluation. Under this heading, 10 schools ...

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