January 30, 2006: Three Components of Political Theory
I would argue that an adequate political theory consists of three basic components: (a) an analysis of the various forms and structures of injustice in the present social order, (b) an alternative ideal of what would constitute a just social order, and (c) a strategy of transition for how to move from an unjust to a just social order. I would also argue that an effective political strategy can only emerge by testing what works in practice and by drawing the lessons of historical experiences. Paraphrasing Kant (and, I believe, in the spirit of Marx and Lenin), one could say that analysis and ideals without strategy are empty, but strategy without analysis and ideals is blind.
