Miss
2013/07/31
This unit aims to provide the student with an introductory orientation to the concept ‘theory’ with special emphasis on the role which theoretical perspectives play in International Relations. OUTCOMES After completing this study unit, students should be able to: define what is a theory; explain the main theoretical frameworks used in the study of International Relations; explain the role of Idealism as a theory of International Relations; explain the role of Realism as a theory of International Relations; explain the role of the Marxist theory of International Relations as a modern approach to International Relations
1
2013/07/31
There are many definitions and descriptions of theories as outlined on page 28 of the prescribed book. Kegley & Wittkopf (2004:32 & 38) provide the following two additional definitions of a theory: “ …is a set of hypotheses postulating the relationship between variables or conditions, advanced to describe, explain or predict phenomena and make prescriptions about how positive changes ought to be engineered to realize particular ethical principles” and “a set of conclusions derived from assumptions and/or evidence about some phenomenon including its character, causes and probable consequences and their ethical implications.”
Who were Idealists? Idealists were people who drew their inspiration from the liberal theoretical tradition based on the belief that the pursuit of ideals such as world peace could change the world by reducing the disorder often exhibited in world politics During the idealist phase, there was more interest in expounding on what ought to happen in the real world and in how to avoid warfare, than in trying to explain the actual behaviour of states. One of the best examples of idealism applied to international relations is President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Point speech to the US Senate on 22 January 1917.
2
2013/07/31
The
This unit aims to provide the student with an introductory orientation to the concept ‘theory’ with special emphasis on the role which theoretical perspectives play in International Relations. OUTCOMES After completing this study unit, students should be able to: define what is a theory; explain the main theoretical frameworks used in the study of International Relations; explain the role of Idealism as a theory of International Relations; explain the role of Realism as a theory of International Relations; explain the role of the Marxist theory of International Relations as a modern approach to International Relations
1
2013/07/31
There are many definitions and descriptions of theories as outlined on page 28 of the prescribed book. Kegley & Wittkopf (2004:32 & 38) provide the following two additional definitions of a theory: “ …is a set of hypotheses postulating the relationship between variables or conditions, advanced to describe, explain or predict phenomena and make prescriptions about how positive changes ought to be engineered to realize particular ethical principles” and “a set of conclusions derived from assumptions and/or evidence about some phenomenon including its character, causes and probable consequences and their ethical implications.”
Who were Idealists? Idealists were people who drew their inspiration from the liberal theoretical tradition based on the belief that the pursuit of ideals such as world peace could change the world by reducing the disorder often exhibited in world politics During the idealist phase, there was more interest in expounding on what ought to happen in the real world and in how to avoid warfare, than in trying to explain the actual behaviour of states. One of the best examples of idealism applied to international relations is President Woodrow Wilson’s Fourteen Point speech to the US Senate on 22 January 1917.
2
2013/07/31
The