EPPS 2301 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Argument, Positive Political Theory, Closed System
22 Feb 2016
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Not static, constantly modifying older theories and developing new ones. The simple the idea the better; everything else is equal. Nonscientific theory, based on political values or faith with assumptions, o concepts and explanations. Closed system that resists change, not directly falsified with empirical data, and makes normative claims. Certainty of answers: it offers absolute truth and certain answers. Type of knowledge system differs: closed system of knowledge that changes little. Claim to have all the answers and do not require improvement. Tells what to desire, proper, moral and right versus what is wrong, etc. Ideology will protect and interpret certain evidence to protect an ideological belief. Ideologies contain features that are obscure or difficult to pinpoint. Untested starting point or belief in a theory to build a theoretical explanation. An idea thought through, define and made explicit in theory. Characteristic of a concept that ranges from empirical and concrete.
