Political Theory

Introduction Contemporary political theory has been deeply shaped by critiques of liberalism, particularly its emphasis on abstract individualism and universal principles of justice. Two influential strands of critique come from communitarianism and feminist political theory, both of which question liberal assumptions about the self, justice, and morality. While communitarian theorists emphasize the moral importance of…

Introduction One of the most significant debates in contemporary political theory concerns the moral foundations of distributive justice. While egalitarianism has long dominated discussions of justice, several theorists have questioned whether equality should be the central moral goal. This has given rise to an influential debate between three competing approaches: equality, priority, and sufficiency. The…

Introduction The question “Equality of What?” represents one of the most important debates in modern political theory. While most political theorists agree that equality is a fundamental value, there is deep disagreement about what exactly should be equalized in a just society. Should equality be understood in terms of welfare, resources, or human capabilities? This…

Introduction The debate between Negative and Positive Liberty is one of the most influential and enduring discussions in modern political theory. It addresses a fundamental question: What does it mean to be free? Is freedom simply the absence of external constraints, or does it involve the capacity to be one’s own master and realize one’s…

Introduction Freedom is one of the most fundamental and contested concepts in Political Theory. Among the various interpretations of freedom, freedom as autonomy occupies a central place, particularly in the works of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Although Kant and Mill belong to different philosophical traditions—Kant to moral idealism and Mill to liberal utilitarianism—both…

Introduction Louis Althusser was one of the most influential Marxist political theorists of the twentieth century, known for reinterpreting Marxism through a structural and anti-humanist lens. His analysis of class, ideology, and power marked a significant departure from classical Marxist explanations that emphasized economic determinism and direct class struggle. Instead, Althusser focused on how capitalist…