CONCEPT OF CLASSICAL POLITICAL THEORY

CONCEPT OF CLASSICAL POLITICAL THEORY 

The political theories that emerged starting from the 6th century B.C. and evolved through the Greeks, Romans and early European Christian thinkers and philosophers are referred to as Classical Political Theories. Among the Greeks, Plato and Aristotle are the two thinkers who are studied and who have great influence till today. Classical political theory was deeply dominated by philosophy and the whole focus was on taking a holistic gaze searching for the most general of truths. So there was no clear distinction between philosophical, theological and political issues and political science or thought was not separately recognized as a discipline as such.

Political theory was concerned with probing into issues, asking important questions and serving as a sort of conscience keeper of politics. The underlying quest was to arrive at the best possible form of government. The state and government were also viewed as a tool for realizing the moral goals of man and society and for promoting the good. Thus the state was to serve as some sort of promoter to foster high moral standards among the members of the community. There had some debate about whether the individual good should be the priority or the common good. The common good was required as more complete than the private good of the individual. The classical tradition also sought to search for ways for an ideal state and a stable system. The main questions that the classical tradition was asked was what is the best form of government?  and who should rule and why?. Also, how should conflict situations be resolved?  

The historical development of political thought is to examine if the political thoughts of a particular time influenced the actions of men and if so how.   Some thinkers like Plato and Marx have argued that ideas and philosophical thoughts have little no effect on the conduct of men in power. But there are other thinkers who have argued that the history of political thought and the history of political action are quite related and the thoughts of thinkers do significantly influence actual political action. 

The reverse - that is whether political thoughts are influenced by political events and historical circumstances is equally important and another reason for studying from the historical point of view. It has been argued for instance that the thoughts of Plato were influenced by a decline in the moral standards of the city-states and that of John Locke by the Glorious revolution and that of Marx by the economic inequality created by industrial capitalism. Thinkers are also men of their times and are influenced by the events and circumstances of their times. But the lasting value of their theories only is only there if it points out at some general truth which can transcend societies and classes and ethnic communities. For instance, the political thoughts of Plato, Aristotle, J.S. Mill or Marx throw up principles, which often have universal value over time.  

Social sciences like Political Sciences and Thought is meant to improve our understanding of the world and history is a part of social sciences. The historical view is essential to create theoretical constructions of human life and social phenomenon that transcends time. We need to ask though while studying a theory from the past (which inevitably drew on the historical circumstances present at the time the theory was proposed) what meaning has political thought in the contemporary world that we live in. In answering that question we are able to test the lasting validity of the theory. But it has to be realized ultimately the history of political thought is important because the central theme is timeless. Neal Wood while commenting on the importance of studying the classical texts of political thought has commented: '...these texts reflect and comment upon that nature of the Western state with all its blemishes and deficiencies as well as benefits. Some of the texts call for radical recognition of the state, others for its reform and in so doing grapple with fundamental social and political problems which we share with past. Whether we like it or not, these works have indelibly stamped our modern culture and the world today'.