Teaching the History of Political Theory as Philosophy and Science

Abstract

This paper examines the possibility of using social scientific research to teach courses in the history of political theory. Three basic issues are examined: (1) the nature of empirical claims and assumptions in political theory; (2) the arguments for and against using social science to teach political theory; and (3) the limits and possibilities of using social science in the history of political theory classroom. I show that there is a significant empirical component to theories that involve the construction of political institutions. I argue that there are professional and pedagogic reasons to use social science in history of political theory courses. I conclude with general observations about the roles political and social science research can play in teaching the history of political theory.