Political health as an integrating model in political systems theory

Abstract

AbstractThe concept of political health, correctly understood and employed, can serve as an integrating model in the discipline of political science. A realistic theory of the political system should welcome such a concept which seeks to do justice to the three central concerns of political science. First, political health makes explicit the preferred ethical concern of political science: Its dedication to such values as peace, freedom, justice, and welfare. Second, the concept enables political scientists to explore, as empirical social scientists, the necessary and sufficient conditions of these same values, and to arrive at generalizations about the state of our political health. And, thirdly, the concept of political health encourages political scientists—ethically motivated, and scientifically equipped—to sustain and improve the health of political communities by helping to sharpen the capacity of all political actors (but especially politicians, administrators, and statesmen) to make prudent political judgments in politics.