Essays on the Scientific Study of Politics (Classic Reprint)

$24.27
by Walter Berns

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Unlock the hidden limits of political science Discover how a bold new approach challenges traditional liberal democracy and the study of political life. This collection argues for a grounded, empirical look at how groups, values, and actions drive real politics. The essays examine how modern political science emerged from a revolt against established orthodoxy and why its methods can blur democracy with its own assumptions. Readers will encounter a careful look at concepts like group activity, interests, and the role of values in political life, all framed to assess what we can truly know about politics. How scholars define the raw material of government and why it matters for understanding political change. Why ideas and words are treated as activities, not fixed powers, in social analysis. Critiques of “democratism” and the risks of value-neutral science when studying democracy. A thoughtful discussion of the relationship between desire, choice, and political ends. Ideal for readers who want a rigorous, skeptical look at political science and its assumptions, especially those curious about democracy, liberalism, and methodology in political inquiry.

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