International Relations Theory

Conza88 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 16:43:24 GMT

Well obviously, there shouldn't be states, so there would be no need for them to have 'relations'... Haha

But I am just wondering where 'apriori' would fit on this chart? (attached)

Or would praxeology be the proper term? Methodological individualism?

Any thoughts? Sources? That would be awesome, thanks.

Below are some brief excerpts of the related lecture notes, that might help provide some context:

+ Karl Popper quote

+ Physics analogy

+ Scientific method

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+ Some definitions …

Epistemology: theories of “knowledge” or ways of knowing (e.g., how do we know what we think we know?)

Ontology: the study of what is said to exist, how it is classified, and what constitutes its identity (e.g., most IR theories make common assumptions about the existence and nature of “states” within an “anarchical” international system)

Rationalism: knowledge through reason

(not to be confused with “rationalist theory”; i.e., notions of the state or individuals as atomistic, pre-social, and self-interested rational actors that underpin realism, liberalism, and micro-economic theory)

Empiricism: Knowledge through observation

Positivism: a reductionist epistemology that assumes objective knowledge is attainable through the application of empirical methods and observation and logical deduction (i.e., “the truth is out there” and it can be known)

Relativism: Stands in contrast to positivism and argues knowledge is relative rather than objective; knowledge claims and observation are heavily influenced by cultural/political bias. Thus there is not one truth, but potentially many alternative truths depending on the beliefs and background of those involved

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International Relations as a field of study

What is theory?

· The role of theory as an explanatory device; as a critique (critical theory, Marxism); as a normative agenda

· Explanatory theory – theories attempting to explain what is and why (natural sciences; realism; neo-liberal perpectives)

· Constitutive theory – theories about theorizing; examining the lenses we use to try and make sense of the world (theories dealing with questions of epistemology and ontology e.g., positivism, post-positivism, post-modernism, empiricism, etc) *Critical theorists and constructivists use constitutive theory to critique positivist and rationalist approaches (e.g., realism and neo-liberal perspectives)

· Normative theory – theories dealing with what should be (e.g., political theory; liberal internationalism)

Political Theory

International Relations Theory