What is the Difference Between Political Philosophy and Political Theory?

The main difference between political philosophy and political theory lies in their approach, methodology, and the level of abstraction they operate at. Here are the key differences:

1. Level of Abstraction: Political philosophers tend to operate at a higher level of abstraction, often appealing to general ethical theory, metaethics, and epistemology. In contrast, political theorists are more likely to focus on empirical findings and historical aspects of politics.
2. Methodology: Political philosophy relies on philosophical argumentation, while political theory uses a combination of empirical data, analytical tools, and philosophical insights to understand and evaluate political phenomena.
3. Scope: Political philosophy is concerned with developing universal and general theories of life related to politics, focusing on depth and accuracy. Political theory, on the other hand, is value-neutral and rational, aiming to explain the cause of political events or phenomena.
4. Focus: Political philosophers typically prioritize being accurate in their analysis and arguments, whereas political theorists are more concerned with being insightful.
5. Disciplinary Affiliation: Political theory is often associated with political science departments, while political philosophy is more commonly linked to philosophy departments.

Despite these differences, the distinction between political philosophy and political theory is not always clear-cut, and there is significant overlap in their practices and concerns. Many scholars engage in both fields, and their work may be influenced by a combination of philosophical, historical, and empirical perspectives.

Comparative Table: Political Philosophy vs Political Theory

The main difference between political philosophy and political theory lies in their objectives, methods, and areas of focus. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two fields:

In summary, political philosophy is concerned with the abstract concepts and arguments related to political opinion, while political theory deals with the explanation and examination of various political systems and forms of government. Political philosophy is theoretical and normative, whereas political theory is empirical and descriptive.