Essays and Research Papers on Political Theory

This 4 page research paper examines how the changes which took place during the Enlightenment defined modernity. Specifically discussed are the main assumptions of the Enlightenment and how they produced modern scientific perspective, social and natural sciences. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 4 page research paper examines whether modernity was merely a philosophical movement or a response to European economic and social changes, taking the latter position. Specifically discussed is the concept of modernity as it correlated with the emergence of capitalism and the birth of the state. Bibliography lists1 source.

This 4 page research paper examines the impact of modernization and the development of conservative and liberal theories which resulted. Specifically discussed are the origin of these theories, their characteristics and weaknesses. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper discussing the concept of revolution and the influence that individual men have on the political changes that occur within a country. The examples are based on Vaclav Havel's Open Letters and Eduard Dune's Notes of a Red Guard. Both of these men were men of vision and both of them ...

A 5 page essay discussing the concept, the foundation, and the application of knowledge as it is presented in the 1911 work by Russell entitled 'The Problems of Philosophy.' No additional sources cited.

Peter Abelard, 12th century French clergy whose affair with Heloise resulted in his castration, and Cicero, statesman and orator, shared a common belief in the conflict that exists between man's pursuit of self-interest and his duty to his community. This 5 page paper reflects on the nature of man and of mankind and their ...

A 5 page paper in which the writer provides a chapter by chapter overview of Powell's book on the impacts of social fragmentation and the repercussions. Bibliography lists no additional sources.

G. William Domhoff's political observations, along with those of others, are explored in this 7 page paper. Issues discussed include the domination of the upper class in politics, particularly in the white house, campaign financing and the difficulty in defining the upper class. Several views concerning the observations are discussed. Bibliography lists 4 sources.

G. William Domhoff's observations of the upper class as a cohesive, class conscious and national group, are explored in this 7 page paper. Issues discussed include the definition of upper class and how other classes fit into Domhoff's observations. Other perspectives are also noted as well as the relevance of the conclusions themselves. Several examples ...

Adolf Berle's theory that major corporations are run by upper middle class managers is explored in this 7 page paper. Other theorists are included such as Marx, Engels, Weber, Domhoff and Kahl. An analysis of the concept of housing class is included as well as the role which corporate takeovers play in terms of control. ...

An 11 page paper discussing the method by which governmental policy is made and implemented. While proponents of one party point at the ills of the other, Lindblom demonstrates that the parties are valuable in the grounding framework they provide, while simultaneously clearly presenting the partisan views brought to nearly all policy analysis. The ...

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the major points in Hughes' book Culture Of Complaint and considers their implications. Hughes argues that we have developed into a culture of individuals arguing for their victim status, and that as the growing groups of victims and the consistency of the search for resolution takes ...

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of the essential elements of Berger's book Ways of Seeing. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper that provides an overview of Berman's book and considers the major points presented in terms of modernity. No additional sources cited.

An 8 page analysis of Zaller's book. The writer demonstrates that Zaller offers an extended argument on exactly how people form their political preferences as he seeks to show how news and political arguments 'diffuse through large populations' as well as 'how individuals evaluate this information in light of their political values and other predispositions.' ...

A 4 page research paper on Aristotle's Politics and the relationship between the state and the individual. The writer details Aristotle's theories of citizenship, education, and individual virtue. No bibliography.

An 8 page paper that provides an overview of the first eight chapters of Greider's book. No additional sources cited.

A 5 page paper which examines the favored regime of Aristotle, as described in Book VII of 'Politics.' Specifically considered are Aristotle’s view of human nature outlined in Books I and III, and how he maintained this regime best resolves the problem of justice and living nobly. Bibliography lists 1 source.

This 5 page paper provides a concise overview of the perspectives of Godfrey Hodgson and Todd Gitlin regarding the process by which the American liberal consensus of the 1960s unraveled. This paper reflects upon a number of different stages and significant shifts and considers the arguments presented by both authors. No additional sources ...

An 8 page research paper that look at the role of the state in global politics and the specifically at the theories that have pertained to this topic across the centuries. The writer spotlights the theories of Machiavelli and Hobbs before discussing how they relate to current political thought. Bibliography lists 6 sources.

A 4 page paper which explains to a student how to distinguish between limited war, guerrilla war and terrorism, as well as address covert/overt behavior, whether formal state sponsorship is required, use of uniforms and whether targeting policy affects description. Also considered is the morality of war and whether moral dilemmas of the combatants ...

A 7 page overview of the differences in the governmental structure and procedure of the United States and Great Britain in terms of Representative Democracy. Outlines the differences in governmental branches and office holders. Contrasts the checks and balances and numerous other features of these two governments. Bibliography lists 5 sources. ...

A 10 page analysis that offers a critical analysis of Michael Walzer's book On Toleration. In this book, philosopher Michael Walzer does not present a philosophical defense of toleration, such as one finds in John Stuart Mill's 'On Liberty.' Instead, Walzer offers the reader 'a historical and contextual account of toleration and coexistence, one that ...

10 pages in length. Explains the causes of ethnic conflict as a result of comparative politics. Two conceptual approaches to these conflicts are examined. The rational choice perspective examines why it is that ethnic conflict can occur when based on rational choice. The authoritarian approach is another tactic used because of ...

5 pages in length. Explains how and why the capitalist state must try to fulfill two basic but often contradictory functions: accumulation and legitimization, and the role collective welfare provision plays in this process. Bibliography lists 4 sources.