Theories

Question 1

What is a theory?

Answer 1

Theory = a general statement about how the world works, and a systemic explanation of observed facts.

Question 2

What is Spatial voting theory?

Answer 2

The theory that each voter has a bundle of preference that places them somewhere on the left right spectrum.

Question 3

Who devised Spatial voting theory?

Answer 3

Anthony Downs (1957)

Question 4

What is Rational choice theory?

Answer 4

The theory that people act to maximize utility given available strategies to leave themselves better of.

Question 5

What is the difference between Normative and empirical theory?

Answer 5

Normative political theory explores how the world should be, how government should ideally work. This type of political theory is based more on philosophy and ethics. Empirical political theory, on the other hand, explores how the government current is. It is based on the scientific method

Question 6

Describe Empirical theory

Answer 6

Empirical theory uses the scientific method to develop data as to how the world works. It examines the current state of politics.

Question 7

Describe what normative theory does.

Answer 7

Normative theory outlines how things “ought to be”. It seeks to outline how government SHOULD look

Question 8

What are Fearons three reasons for war?

Answer 8

rational preventive war;

rational miscalculation due to lack of information;

rational miscalculation or disagreement about relative power.

expected benefits exceed expected costs