Articles

Because it is Normative, Stupid! : Over de rol van politieke theorie binnen de politicologie

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Abstract

This article presents a state-of-the-art description of politica! theory and analyses the role of politica! theory within the discipline of political science. lt starts by describing two dominant approaches within the sub-discipline: conceptual political theory and normative political theory. Secondly, it situates politica! theory as separated from political science in general and from actual political debates. Thirdly, it analyses the role of methodology in normative political theory.
I argue that the most important contribution of political theory to political science in general is its emphasis on the fact that politics is first and foremost a normative endeavor and that any political-scientific analysis should always be aware of this normative character.

How to Cite:

Pierik, R., (2011) “Because it is Normative, Stupid! : Over de rol van politieke theorie binnen de politicologie”, Res Publica 53(1), 9-29.