Nature and Significance of Political Theory

Nature of Political Theory

Political theory is a subfield of political science that involves the

analytical study of ideas and concepts related to politics, government,
authority, justice, liberty, and the role of the state. It is both normative
(concerned with what ought to be) and empirical (based on what is).

Key features of the nature of political theory include:

1. Normative Inquiry: Political theory often explores ideal states,

justice, rights, and duties—guiding how societies ought to be
organized.
2. Conceptual Clarity: It seeks to define and analyze key political
concepts like freedom, equality, democracy, power, and
sovereignty.
3. Historical and Philosophical Roots: Draws heavily on the ideas
of classical and modern thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes,
Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and Rawls.
4. Interdisciplinary: Integrates insights from philosophy, history,
law, economics, and sociology.
5. Critical and Evaluative: Political theory critically examines
political practices and institutions, often questioning their
legitimacy or fairness.
Significance of Political Theory

1. Understanding Political Concepts: It helps clarify abstract

political ideas, making them more understandable and applicable.
2. Guiding Political Action: Offers normative frameworks for
evaluating political choices and behaviors, helping citizens and
leaders make informed decisions.
3. Promoting Democratic Values: Strengthens values like liberty,
equality, and justice, contributing to a more just and democratic
society.
4. Encouraging Critical Thinking: Fosters analytical and reflective
thinking about political issues, encouraging active and responsible
citizenship.
5. Influencing Policy and Governance: Provides foundational
principles that shape constitutions, laws, and governance systems.
 Classical political theory & Scientific political theory
Certainly! Here's a clear explanation of Classical Political Theory
and Scientific Political Theory, including their key features and
differences:

1. Classical Political Theory

Definition:
Classical political theory refers to the body of political thought
developed mainly by ancient and medieval thinkers such as Plato,
Aristotle, Cicero, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. It is
normative in nature, focusing on the ideal state, justice, and ethical
values.

Key Features:

 Normative Approach: Concerned with what ought to be rather

than what is. It prescribes ideal forms of government and justice.
 Philosophical and Ethical Focus: Emphasizes moral values, ethics,
and virtue in politics.
 Human-Centered: Focuses on the role of human nature and
reason in shaping political life.
  Idealistic Orientation: Often describes utopian visions or ideal
political orders (e.g., Plato’s Republic).
 Historical Examples: Plato’s theory of justice, Aristotle’s
classification of governments, Hobbes' social contract, Rousseau’s
general will.

2. Scientific Political Theory (Modern Empirical Political Theory)

Definition:
Scientific political theory, also known as empirical or behavioral
political theory, emerged prominently in the 20th century. It
emphasizes the scientific study of political behavior, institutions, and
systems, using methods similar to the natural and social sciences.

Key Features:

 Empirical and Descriptive: Focuses on facts and observable

political behavior rather than ideals.
 Objective and Value-Neutral: Tries to remain free from personal
or moral judgments.
 Data-Driven: Uses statistics, surveys, case studies, and models to
analyze political patterns.
  Focus on Behavior and Systems: Studies voting behavior, political
participation, policy outcomes, etc.
 Associated Thinkers: David Easton (systems theory), Gabriel
Almond (structural-functionalism), Robert Dahl (pluralism).

Comparison: Classical vs. Scientific Political Theory

Aspect Classical Political Theory Scientific Political Theory

Approach Normative / Philosophical Empirical / Scientific
Focus What ought to be (ideals) What is (reality)
Methodology Logical reasoning, ethics Data collection,
observation, analysis
Role of Central to analysis Seeks value-neutrality
Values
Origin Period Ancient to early modern 20th century onwards
(Plato to Rousseau) (especially post-1945)
Key Thinkers Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Easton, Almond, Dahl,
Rousseau Lasswell
 Characteristics and Approaches of Political Theory

Certainly! Here's a clear explanation of the Characteristics and

Approaches of Political Theory:

Characteristics of Political Theory

1. Normative and Empirical Nature:

o Political theory includes normative aspects (what ought to
be) and empirical aspects (what is).
o It combines ideals with real-world analysis.
2. Analytical and Critical:
o It analyzes political concepts (e.g., liberty, equality, justice)
and critiques political systems and ideologies.
3. Conceptual Clarity:
o Political theory aims to define, clarify, and refine political
concepts and ideas, making them understandable and
applicable.
4. Interdisciplinary:
o Draws from philosophy, history, law, sociology, psychology,
and economics to explain political phenomena.
5. Prescriptive and Explanatory:
 o It prescribes norms and values for good governance and also
explains political behavior and systems.
6. Value-Oriented:
o Especially in normative theory, it involves moral judgments
and concerns about what is just, fair, or good.
7. Contextual and Dynamic:
o Political theory evolves with changing social, economic, and
political conditions, making it historically and culturally
contextual.

Approaches to Political Theory

Political theorists use different approaches to study politics. These

can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Normative Approach

 Focus: What ought to be.

 Method: Philosophical reasoning and ethical analysis.
 Key Thinkers: Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Rawls.
 Example Topics: Justice, democracy, rights, and the ideal state.
2. Empirical (Behavioral) Approach

 Focus: What is — actual political behavior and practices.

 Method: Scientific methods like surveys, statistics, and
observation.
 Key Thinkers: David Easton, Gabriel Almond.
 Example Topics: Voting behavior, political participation, party
systems.

3. Historical Approach

 Focus: Evolution of political ideas over time.

 Method: Contextual and chronological study of political thought.
 Key Thinkers: Quentin Skinner, Leo Strauss.
 Example Topics: Development of liberalism, conservatism, or
socialism.

4. Institutional Approach

 Focus: Formal structures like constitutions, parliaments, and

courts.
 Method: Study of laws, organization, and functioning of
institutions.
 Key Thinkers: Montesquieu, Tocqueville.
 Example Topics: Separation of powers, checks and balances.
5. Marxist Approach

 Focus: Class struggle, power, and economic structures.

 Method: Historical materialism and critique of capitalism.
 Key Thinkers: Karl Marx, Antonio Gramsci.
 Example Topics: Class conflict, ideology, state as a tool of
oppression.

6. Feminist Approach

 Focus: Gender and power relations.

 Method: Critique of male-dominated structures; emphasis on
inclusion and equality.
 Key Thinkers: Simone de Beauvoir, Judith Butler.
 Example Topics: Patriarchy, representation, gender justice.

7. Post-Structural/Post-Modern Approach

 Focus: Deconstruction of universal truths and power relations in

language.
 Method: Critical analysis, discourse theory.
 Key Thinkers: Michel Foucault, Derrida.
 Example Topics: Power-knowledge, identity politics, subjectivity.
 Origin of Behaviouralism in political theory

Behaviouralism (or behavioral approach) emerged in the early

20th century as a major shift in political theory, aiming to make the
study of politics more scientific, empirical, and objective. It was a
reaction against traditional normative and philosophical political
theory, which focused on ideals rather than observable political
behavior.

🔹 Historical Background

1. Reaction Against Traditionalism

 Traditional political theory was normative, value-laden, and

focused on institutions and ideals.
 Behaviouralists criticized this as abstract, unscientific, and
detached from real-world politics.

2. Influence of Natural and Social Sciences

 Behaviouralism was inspired by the methods of natural sciences

(objectivity, measurement, hypothesis testing).
  It was also influenced by developments in psychology, sociology,
and economics, especially the emphasis on studying human
behavior empirically.

3. Rise of American Political Science

 Behaviouralism gained prominence particularly in the United

States after World War I and especially after World War II.
 The University of Chicago became a leading center for behavioral
political science.

🔹 Key Events in the Origin of Behaviouralism

Year Event or Person Significance
1920s Early critiques of Scholars sought a more
institutionalism empirical approach to
political study
1930s Influence of psychology and Political behavior began to be
sociology analyzed scientifically
1940s– Rise of empirical research Political science began using
50s in the U.S. surveys, statistics, etc.
1951 David Easton's call for a A formal declaration of the
"new science of politics" behavioural revolution
1950s– Behavioural revolution Dominant approach in
60s peaks American political science

🔹 Key Thinkers

1. David Easton – Advocated for a "system theory" of political

science and led the behavioural revolution.
2. Harold D. Lasswell – Introduced psychological methods; known
for his model: “Who gets what, when, how.”
3. Gabriel A. Almond – Studied political systems comparatively;
emphasized political culture.
4. Robert Dahl – Applied empirical methods to study democracy and
pluralism.

🔹 Core Features of Behaviouralism

 Focus on observable behavior, not abstract concepts.

 Use of quantitative methods: surveys, statistics, empirical
research.
 Aim to develop generalizations or theories about political
behavior.
 Belief in value-neutrality in research (separating facts from
values).
 Emphasis on individuals and groups rather than institutions
alone.
 Intellectual Foundation Stones of Behaviouralism
Behaviouralism in political theory emerged as a response to the
abstract and normative approaches of traditional political thought. Its
intellectual foundations were shaped by a range of ideas and influences
from various academic fields, including psychology, sociology, and the
natural sciences. Below are the key intellectual foundation stones that
underpinned the development of behaviouralism:

1. Empiricism and the Scientific Method

 Empirical Approach: Behaviouralism was grounded in empiricism,

which emphasizes the importance of observation, measurement,
and data collection. It sought to make political science more like
the natural sciences by focusing on observable political behavior
rather than idealistic or normative ideals.
 Scientific Method: Behaviouralists adopted the scientific
method—hypothesis testing, data collection, and empirical
analysis—believing that political behavior could be studied with
the same rigor as physical or biological phenomena.
2. Influence of Psychology

 Psychological Roots: Behaviouralism was heavily influenced by

behaviorist psychology, especially the works of John B. Watson
and B.F. Skinner, who argued that human behavior could be
studied and understood through observable actions, without
recourse to internal mental states or motivations.
 Human Behavior: In political science, this translated into a focus
on individual political behavior, including voting patterns, public
opinion, and political participation, rather than abstract concepts
like the ideal state or justice.
 Motivational Analysis: Behaviouralists were also influenced by
Freudian psychology and the idea that unconscious desires and
motivations affect political behavior, although this became less
emphasized over time.

3. Influence of Sociology

 Social Behaviorism: Sociological theories about social structures

and group dynamics influenced behaviouralism, as theorists
sought to understand how political behavior was shaped not just
 by individual psychology but by social structures, culture, and
group interactions.
 Political Culture and Social Systems: Scholars like Gabriel Almond
and Sidney Verba integrated sociological perspectives to develop
theories about political culture, focusing on how norms, values,
and attitudes influence political participation and behavior within
societies.

4. Positivism

 Positivism: The philosophical school of positivism, particularly as

articulated by Auguste Comte and Emile Durkheim, played a
crucial role in the development of behaviouralism. Positivists
believed that knowledge should be derived from observable
phenomena, and that all true knowledge must be empirically
verified.
 Value-Free Research: Positivism influenced behaviouralism's
emphasis on value-free political analysis, meaning that scholars
should study political behavior without letting normative
judgments or ideological preferences affect their conclusions.
5. Structural Functionalism

 Systems Theory: Political scientists like David Easton contributed

to the development of a systems theory that viewed politics as a
dynamic system of inputs, processes, and outputs. This approach,
influenced by structural-functionalism in sociology, aimed to
explain the functioning of political systems in terms of their
components and interrelationships.
 Political Systems Analysis: The focus shifted to understanding
how political systems function and maintain equilibrium, focusing
on aspects such as the functioning of political parties, elections,
and state institutions, rather than the nature of political ideals.

6. Rational Choice Theory

 Rational Choice Theory: While not fully integrated into the

earliest phases of behaviouralism, the rise of rational choice
theory in the mid-20th century (especially in the 1950s and
1960s) shared behaviouralism's emphasis on individual decision-
making and empirical analysis. The rational choice approach
argued that individuals make political decisions based on a
calculation of costs and benefits.
  Political Behavior as Rational Action: Behaviouralists adopted the
idea that individuals are rational actors, making choices based on
self-interest and situational constraints.

7. The Influence of the Behavioral Revolution in Other Social

Sciences

 Interdisciplinary Influence: The behavioral revolution was part of

a larger intellectual trend in the social sciences during the early-
to-mid 20th century, where scholars in psychology, sociology,
economics, and anthropology sought to adopt more scientific,
empirical approaches to the study of human behavior.
 Behavioral Economics and Sociology: The success of behavioral
approaches in economics (e.g., John Maynard Keynes, Herbert
Simon) and sociology (e.g., Talcott Parsons) helped popularize the
idea that human and social behavior could be studied
systematically and scientifically.
 Chicago School of Thought in Behaviouralism
The Chicago School of political science is a crucial part of the
development of behaviouralism in the study of politics, particularly in
the United States. It was a significant center for the development and
institutionalization of behavioural political science during the mid-20th
century. The University of Chicago played a leading role in promoting
empirical research, quantitative analysis, and the study of political
behavior in a manner that was consistent with the goals of
behaviouralism.

Key Features of the Chicago School's Contribution to

Behaviouralism

1. Empirical and Quantitative Research:

o The Chicago School emphasized data-driven, quantitative
methods to analyze political behavior, focusing on surveys,
statistical analysis, and field studies.
o Researchers sought to measure actual political behavior
(e.g., voting patterns, political participation) rather than
focusing on idealized concepts of politics.
2. Focus on Political Behavior:
o The Chicago School was particularly interested in how
individuals and groups behave in political contexts, marking
a shift from traditional institutional studies.
o It explored the ways in which individual actions, choices,
and decisions affect political outcomes, including elections,
party affiliations, and public opinion.
3. Behavioral Data Collection and Analysis:
o The school was instrumental in the development of survey
methods and opinion polling as tools for political analysis.
o Researchers like Harold D. Lasswell and Charles Merriam
used data to examine the political attitudes of voters and
political elites.
o The Chicago School helped create standardized techniques
for studying public opinion and voting behavior,
establishing the foundation for modern political polling.
4. Political Science as a Scientific Discipline:
o The Chicago School sought to establish political science as
an objective, scientific field based on empirical
observation, much like the natural sciences.
o Researchers believed political phenomena could be
systematically studied using the scientific method—
 formulating hypotheses, gathering data, and testing
theories.

Key Figures Associated with the Chicago School in Behaviouralism

1. Harold D. Lasswell:
o One of the foremost figures in the Chicago School, Lasswell
contributed significantly to the development of
behavioralism in political science.
o He is known for his study of political psychology and power
and his famous question: "Who gets what, when, how?"
o Lasswell's work laid the foundation for understanding
political decision-making as a function of individual
motivations and group dynamics.
2. Charles Merriam:
o Merriam was another important figure in the Chicago School
and helped institutionalize the study of political behavior in
American political science.
o He played a significant role in introducing quantitative
methods and was a strong proponent of empirical research
to analyze political actions and institutions.
3. David Easton:
 o Though not originally from the Chicago School, David
Easton's systems theory of political science became
influential in the broader movement for behavioralism,
including the Chicago School.
o His work on political systems theory viewed politics as a
complex, interdependent system of inputs (e.g., demands),
processes (e.g., decision-making), and outputs (e.g.,
policies), all of which could be studied through empirical
analysis.

Key Contributions of the Chicago School to Behaviouralism

1. Survey and Polling Methods:

o Researchers at the University of Chicago helped popularize
the use of public opinion surveys as a tool for
understanding voter behavior, political preferences, and
public attitudes toward government and policies.
o These methods became a cornerstone of political science
research, especially in electoral studies.
2. Focus on Political Participation:
o The Chicago School's behaviouralists focused on
understanding who participates in politics, how, and why.
 This includes studying voter turnout, political engagement,
and the role of political parties.
o Studies on political mobilization, such as examining how
political campaigns influence voting behavior, were central
to their research.
3. Political Elites and Mass Behavior:
o Chicago School scholars were interested in the dynamics
between political elites (e.g., political leaders, parties,
activists) and ordinary citizens (the mass public).
o They explored how elites shape political outcomes through
mass communication, party systems, and political
institutions.
4. Integration of Psychology:
o Behaviouralists at Chicago School integrated insights from
psychology to study individual motivations in political
behavior.
o The study of voter psychology, political attitudes, and the
psychological underpinnings of decision-making became a
significant part of their research.
Impact and Legacy of the Chicago School in Behaviouralism

1. Institutionalizing Empirical Political Science:

o The Chicago School helped establish political science as an
empirical and data-driven discipline. It shifted the focus of
political studies from normative theories of governance to a
more practical study of political phenomena based on actual
behaviors and experiences.
2. Widespread Adoption of Behaviouralism:
o The Chicago School's methods became widely adopted in
political science, especially in the U.S., and influenced the
behavioural revolution in the 1950s and 1960s, which
transformed political science departments across the
country.
3. Creation of Political Surveys and Public Opinion Studies:
o Many modern opinion polls and electoral studies owe their
origins to the methods developed by the Chicago School.
o Political behavior surveys, which are crucial in understanding
voter preferences, public opinion on policy issues, and the
effectiveness of campaigns, were refined and
institutionalized by Chicago-based scholars.
Criticism of the Chicago School and Behavioralism

1. Overemphasis on Quantitative Data:

o Some critics argue that the Chicago School's focus on
quantitative analysis led to an underappreciation of
normative political theory and the moral dimensions of
politics.
2. Over-Reliance on Empirical Data:
o Critics from the normative school of thought contend that
empirical behavioral studies ignore larger ethical and
philosophical questions about justice, rights, and power.
 Charles Merriam and David Easton: Key Figures in
Behaviouralism
Both Charles Merriam and David Easton were pivotal in the
development of behaviouralism in political theory, though their
contributions came at different stages and with different emphases.
They both played significant roles in the shift from traditional,
normative political theory to a more empirical, scientific, and
behavioral approach to the study of politics.

1. Charles Merriam (1887–1953)

Background and Influence

 Charles Merriam was one of the first political scientists to

advocate for a more scientific and empirical approach to the
study of politics.
 He was a prominent figure at the University of Chicago and a key
member of the early behavioral movement.
 Merriam's work had a deep impact on the development of
political science as an academic discipline and was essential in the
transition from descriptive studies of political institutions to more
data-driven and analytical approaches.
Key Contributions to Behaviouralism

1. Empirical Political Science:

o Merriam was critical of the abstract, normative political
theory that dominated earlier political thought.
o He sought to ground political science in empirical research,
focusing on the study of actual political behavior rather
than idealized concepts of governance.
2. Study of Political Behavior:
o Merriam emphasized that political science should focus on
the study of political behavior—the actual actions,
attitudes, and decisions of political actors (including voters,
officials, and parties).
o He argued that to understand politics, scholars must study
the behavior of individuals and groups, not just political
institutions.
3. Political Elites and Public Opinion:
o Merriam was among the first to recognize the importance of
public opinion and political elites in shaping political
outcomes.
o His research focused on the relationship between political
leaders and the masses, studying how public opinion affects
policy and how elites manipulate public sentiment.
 4. The Role of Survey Research:
o Merriam played an instrumental role in promoting survey
methods and statistical analysis to study political behavior.
o He believed that quantitative methods (such as public
opinion surveys) would provide political scientists with
objective, reliable data to understand political phenomena.
5. "The New Democracy":
o In his work, "The New Democracy", Merriam analyzed the
changing relationship between citizens and the state,
reflecting his growing interest in the role of public opinion
and popular participation in democratic governance.

2. David Easton (1917–2014)

Background and Influence

 David Easton was a leading figure in the field of political science

and a central figure in the behavioural movement of the mid-
20th century.
 Known for his work on systems theory, Easton helped to
formalize the behavioral approach to political science, bringing a
more theoretical and methodological framework to the study of
politics.
Key Contributions to Behaviouralism

1. Systems Theory:
o One of Easton’s most important contributions was his
systems theory of political science, which viewed political
systems as dynamic entities that process inputs, produce
outputs, and maintain equilibrium.
o Easton developed a model of political systems, where
political systems are seen as interconnected components
(e.g., institutions, processes, actors) that respond to
demands from society (inputs) and produce policies
(outputs).
2. Focus on Political Processes:
o Instead of focusing solely on the structure of political
institutions (as in traditional political theory), Easton
emphasized the political process itself—how the system
responds to societal needs and demands.
o His work focused on political participation, policy feedback,
and political communication.
3. Political Development and Stability:
o Easton’s systems theory also addressed how political
systems adapt to change and maintain stability.
 o He was interested in how political systems evolve over time
and how legitimacy (the belief that a political system is
justified) plays a crucial role in maintaining system stability.
4. Political Socialization:
o Easton examined the process of political socialization, or
how individuals learn political values and attitudes through
interaction with their environment (family, peers, media,
etc.).
o He explored how political values are transmitted and how
they influence political behavior and decisions.
5. Value-Free Political Science:
o Like other behavioralists, Easton was a proponent of value-
neutral political analysis, meaning that political scientists
should study political phenomena objectively, without
imposing personal ideological preferences.
o However, Easton acknowledged that political science,
especially in the context of systems theory, often involves
normative questions about system legitimacy and fairness.
6. "A Framework for Political Analysis":
o Easton’s "A Framework for Political Analysis" (1965) is one
of his most influential works, where he elaborates his
 systems theory and its application to understanding political
processes, behavior, and institutions.

Key Differences in Their Approaches

Charles Merriam David Easton

Focused more on empirical Developed systems theory,
research into political behavior focusing on how political systems
(voting patterns, public process inputs and outputs.
opinion).
Emphasized the importance of Focused on political processes and
public opinion and elite behavior the interaction between society
in shaping political outcomes. and political systems.
Used survey methods to Focused on the theory of political
understand public attitudes and systems, looking at how they
political participation. maintain stability and respond to
societal demands.
Advocated for the integration Focused on the systemic and
of psychological insights into structural aspects of political life.
political behavior.
 Origin and Development of Post-Behaviouralism in
Political Theory

1. Introduction

Post-behaviouralism emerged in the late 1960s as a critique and

reform movement within behaviouralism in political science. While
behaviouralism emphasized empiricism, objectivity, and value-neutral
research, post-behaviouralism called for a return to relevance, ethical
responsibility, and value-based inquiry in political studies.

The movement was not a complete rejection of behaviouralism, but

rather a reaction against its limitations—particularly its detachment
from real-world political problems and its overemphasis on scientific
methods at the cost of societal relevance.

2. Origin of Post-Behaviouralism

A. Historical Context

 1960s Global Political Turmoil:

o The world was witnessing major social and political
upheavals: Vietnam War, civil rights movements, student
 protests, colonial struggles, and the rise of authoritarian
regimes.
o These events made many political scientists question the
relevance of behavioural research that ignored pressing
societal and ethical issues.
 Disillusionment with Behaviouralism:
o Behaviouralism’s insistence on value-free and quantitative
analysis was seen as too narrow, detached, and politically
neutral at a time when political engagement was urgently
needed.
o It failed to address normative questions like justice,
equality, power, and human dignity.

B. Role of David Easton

 David Easton, originally a key proponent of behaviouralism,

became the leading voice of post-behaviouralism.
 In his 1969 APSA presidential address, he called for a new
direction in political science that emphasized social relevance,
normative concern, and action-oriented research.
 He coined the phrase:

“Relevance over elegance,” meaning that solving real-world

problems is more important than methodological perfection.
3. Key Features of Post-Behaviouralism

Behaviouralism Post-Behaviouralism
Value-neutral, empirical Value-laden, ethically engaged
research research
Focus on political behavior Focus on purpose and social
(individuals) impact
Scientific method, Relevance, urgency, normative
quantification responsibility
Emphasized theory-building Emphasized action-oriented
political science
Avoided ideological judgments Addressed moral and political
crises

4. Core Beliefs of Post-Behaviouralism

1. Relevance:
o Political science should deal with real-world problems such
as poverty, war, inequality, and injustice.
o Research must be useful to society and policymakers.
2. Activism:
 o Scholars should not remain passive observers but active
participants in solving social and political crises.
3. Integration of Normative Concerns:
o Values like justice, liberty, and democracy should not be
ignored.
o Political science must address “what ought to be”, not just
“what is”.
4. Interdisciplinary Approach:
o Post-behaviouralists welcomed insights from philosophy,
history, sociology, and ethics to enrich political analysis.
5. Critique of Elitism:
o Behaviouralism was often seen as serving elite interests by
avoiding controversial issues.
o Post-behaviouralism aimed to empower the masses and
marginalized voices.

5. Development and Impact

 Institutional Adoption:
o Many universities and journals began embracing more
relevant, value-sensitive research.
 o Areas like feminist theory, post-colonial studies,
environmental politics, and critical theory grew in this
climate.
 The Rise of Normative Political Theory (Again):
o Thinkers like John Rawls (with A Theory of Justice, 1971)
brought normative political theory back to the center of
political discourse.
 Influence on Later Movements:
o Post-behaviouralism opened the door for critical theory,
constructivism, and postmodernism in political science.
o It helped shape the development of public policy,
development studies, and political activism within
academia.
 Credo of Relevance in Post-Behaviouralism
The "Credo of Relevance" is the core philosophical and moral
foundation of the Post-Behaviouralist movement. It was most clearly
articulated by David Easton in his 1969 Presidential Address to the
American Political Science Association (APSA), titled "The New
Revolution in Political Science."

This credo represented a clear shift from the earlier behavioural focus
on value-neutral, empirical research to a more purposeful, value-
driven, and socially engaged political science.

Key Tenets of the Credo of Relevance

1. Political Science Must Be Socially Relevant

o Research should address real-world problems like
inequality, war, poverty, oppression, and injustice.
o Theory should serve society, not remain abstract or
detached.
2. Commitment to Values
o Political scientists must embrace normative concerns,
including freedom, justice, democracy, and human dignity.
 o Neutrality is seen as irresponsible in times of political and
moral crisis.
3. Action-Oriented Scholarship
o The purpose of political inquiry is not just to understand,
but also to change the world for the better.
o Scholars should be engaged citizens, not distant observers.
4. Urgency and Responsibility
o The world is in a state of crisis, and political scientists
cannot afford to be indifferent.
o Research must be timely, urgent, and responsive to
contemporary challenges.
5. Rejection of "Method for Method's Sake"
o Methodological rigor is important, but it should not
overshadow relevance.
o Easton’s famous phrase:

"Relevance over elegance."

— meaning that useful knowledge is more important than
purely technical sophistication.

6. Inclusivity and Human Welfare

o The discipline should reflect the needs and voices of the
broader public, not just elite or academic concerns.
 o Political science must serve the cause of human well-being.

Quotable Summary by David Easton

"The new revolution is not a rejection of science, but a concern to make

science relevant to the solution of urgent problems of society."

– David Easton (1969)