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Download Great Debates in IR theory
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Great Debates in IR theory • 1920s-Realists vs. Idealistsbasic assumptions, nature of human beings • 1950s-Traditionalists vs. behavioralistsmethodology Laws • Patterns • Regulatiries of IR or other physical phenomena • How to explain laws? Theory building • • • • • • Hypothesis generation If X then Y Independent –dependent variable Causal relationship Correlations Spurious relationship Science as method • • • • Explain Predict Induction vs deduction Inductive fallacy Theory • • • • • Select facts/interpret facts To facilitate explanation Prediction Intellectual construct Composed of several sets of interrelated propositions to interpret and explain facts Scientific approach • • • • • What is scientific? accumulation of knowledge Systematic strategy-essential Aim is to control unsupported speculation Science is a matter of methods Popperism-Karl Popper • • • • Testability Falsification Tentativeness Importance of methods over results Popper • Believe there is not such thing as absolute certainty • But we can still falsify wrong conjectures • Theoretical and methodological diversity • Key strengths in social sciences Traditional approach • • • • • Participant observation Diplomatic history International law/treaties Memoirs Case studies Behavioral/positivist approach • Aggregate data • Quantitative analysis • Application of natural science methods to social sciences • Mathematical modeling • Simulation Paradigms • Sets of dominant theories at given periods • Paradigmatic change- when a shift in dominant paradigm occurs, there is a scientific revolution (Kuhn) • Newtonian physics vs Quantum physics • Multiple Paradigms possible to explain same phenomena? IR propositions • When there is a balance of power, the likelihood of war increases • When there is a preponderance of power, the likelihood of war increases • The stronger a state’s military capabilities, the less the likelihood of an attack against that state • Democracies are less likely to fight with each other Rosenau-Thinking Theory thoroughly • Avoid treating the task of formulating an appropriate definition of theory • Empirical vs normative theory • Assume underlying order for all human behaviour • Sacrifice detailed description for general patterns • Accept ambiguity • Be ready to be proven wrong
