The Study of Politics (University Paperbacks)

If the study of politics is to be rewarding both intellectually and practically it must. by definition. concern itself with the great issues which arise in the real world and with the fundamental arguments which occur about their nature and the possible solutions to them. Abstract political philosophy which is not informed by the experi­ ence of practice will become sterile. A study of constitutions and the machinery of government can become dry-as-dust and hence boring unless the underlying principles are analysed and grasped. But theo­ ries of political change divorced from an understanding of consti­ tutions and institutions will degenerate into mere phrase-mongering. Attempts to apply the techniques of the natural sciences to politics will lead to model building for its own sake and thence to arid and barren intellectualism unless it is understood that it is impossible to quantify the intangible. Indeed. anyone-sided approach to politics and consequent failure to grasp the essential wholeness of the sub­ ject is bound to end in disaster. The study of politics is a study of changing human relationships in dynamic societies. Thus it involves. since the present and hence the future are shaped in part by the past. an appreciation of history. Front Matter....Pages i-viii Introduction....Pages 1-20 Front Matter....Pages 21-22 Physical Structures....Pages 23-53 Social Structures....Pages 54-108 Front Matter....Pages 109-111 Individual Causes....Pages 112-132 Collective Causes....Pages 133-175 Front Matter....Pages 177-178 The Forms of Political Conflict....Pages 179-218 The Development of Integration....Pages 219-260 Back Matter....Pages 261-312