Theory: Ontology: Epistemology: Methodology: Characteristics: Different strands:
Theory of existing Theory of
(What are the form knowledge
and nature of (What and
reality?) how can we
know about
the world?)
Behaviouralism Foundationalism Positivism Quantitative - Explaining and predicting
political behaviour
- Objective & Quantified
- Verification & Falsification
principle
Political Foundationalism Positivism Qualitative - Study of concepts and Normative Political Theory:
Theory principles used to explain, Focuses on what ‘ought’ to be
critique, describe and
prescribe political action,
events and institutions
- Normative: concerns
morally appropriate claims
(what ‘ought’ to be?)
- Rawls’ principles of justice
(greatest benefit of the worst
off & basic liberties that
maximizes equal civil
liberties)
Rational Foundationalism Positivism Quantitative - Individuals use their
Choice self-interests to make
choices that will provide
them with the greatest
benefit.
Theory of existing Theory of
(What are the form knowledge
and nature of (What and
reality?) how can we
know about
the world?)
Behaviouralism Foundationalism Positivism Quantitative - Explaining and predicting
political behaviour
- Objective & Quantified
- Verification & Falsification
principle
Political Foundationalism Positivism Qualitative - Study of concepts and Normative Political Theory:
Theory principles used to explain, Focuses on what ‘ought’ to be
critique, describe and
prescribe political action,
events and institutions
- Normative: concerns
morally appropriate claims
(what ‘ought’ to be?)
- Rawls’ principles of justice
(greatest benefit of the worst
off & basic liberties that
maximizes equal civil
liberties)
Rational Foundationalism Positivism Quantitative - Individuals use their
Choice self-interests to make
choices that will provide
them with the greatest
benefit.
