Relevance of Political Theory

Book Details

• Author: L.S. Rathore

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Binding: Hardcover

• Number of Pages: 168

• Release Date: 01-10-2010

• ISBN: 9788131602621

• Languages: English

• Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches

About the Book
This thought-provoking book addresses the critical relationship between political theory, societal values, and factual knowledge. L.S. Rathore critiques the growing trend of specialized, professional political theory that has drifted away from its ethical roots, resulting in a framework that lacks direction and meaning. In the absence of a philosophical foundation, political theory is rendered ineffective, and its reliance solely on empirical data makes it a contradiction.

Rathore argues that political theory should be grounded in value premises, with factual knowledge complementing its broader purpose. He advocates for a value-fact confluence model, where values are central, to build a more relevant and meaningful political theory. The book suggests that theory, in its ideal form, should serve as an illumination, a clue, or an explanation for understanding politics, drawing heavily from cultural and social contexts. Bridging political theory and practice is challenging, yet essential for a more coherent and actionable framework.

About the Author
Poornima Jain, with a Ph.D. from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, is a distinguished academician and researcher. Since 1983, she has been teaching at Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed University), Agra. Apart from presenting research papers at national and international seminars, she has authored a book titled “Working Women and Care of the Aged.” Currently, she heads the Departments of Sociology and Political Science and Life Long Learning and Extension, and serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at Dayalbagh Educational Institute.