POL114H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Win-Win Game, Democratic Peace Theory
Document Summary
What is a theory: a map of reality. There is a way to prove it wrong: generates testable hypotheses, makes assumptions. Theories assumes things because you need to start somewhere: must simplify reality, leave out details. Parsimony explain the most with the least: can only be refuted by another theory, no real laws in political science. Because we study humans in politics which is why there is no particular law. We are all different and have opposing views. The level of complexity makes it hard to determine: theories vs paradigms. What are theories for: explaining, understanding, predicting, problem: humans read the things we write about the. Interstate conflict is rooted in (bad) human nature: people are viewed as self-interested and political power merely reinforces this predisposition, people are selfish and naturally desire power. Realists = you can only rely on yourself: self-help. Cannot rely on alliances, international organizations or international law: only possible order is through balance of power.
