The Democratic Advantage in Theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 11-35
Author(s):  
Matthew Kroenig
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Great Powers ◽  
International Capital ◽  
Long Run ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
Democratic Advantage

This chapter puts forth the argument that democracies enjoy built-in advantages in long-run geopolitical competitions. It begins by defining key terms, such as “democracy” and “autocracy.” Then, drawing on the writing of political philosophers, such as Herodotus, Machiavelli, and Montesquieu, and contemporary social science research, this chapter explains the unique economic, diplomatic, and military advantages that democracies bring to the international arena. These advantages include: higher long-run rates of economic growth, access to international capital, larger and more reliable alliances, and a tendency to win international wars. It then explains how these advantages grant democracies an edge in amassing wealth and power, becoming great powers, and achieving global hegemony at rates greater than their autocratic rivals.

5. Finding Answers: Theories and How to Apply Them

2020 ◽  
pp. 123-158
Author(s):  
Sandra Halperin ◽  
Oliver Heath
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter shows how to develop an answer to a particular research question. It first considers the requirements and components of an answer to a research question before discussing the role of ‘theory’ in social science research, what a ‘theoretical framework’ is, and what a hypothesis is. It then explores the three components of a hypothesis: an independent variable, a dependent variable, and a proposition (a statement about the relationship between the variables). It also looks at the different types of hypotheses and how they guide various kinds of research. It also explains why conceptual and operational definitions of key terms are important and how they are formulated. Finally, it offers suggestions on how to answer normative questions.

Stathis Kalyvas on 20 years of studying political violence

2020 ◽  
pp. 263300242097295
Author(s):  
Stathis Kalyvas ◽  
Scott Straus
Keyword(s):  
Graduate Students ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Political Violence ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
The State ◽  
Scholarly Research ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
Research To Policy ◽  
State Of The Field

Stathis Kalyvas is one of the pioneers of social science research on political violence. In this interview with Scott Straus, Kalyvas reflects critically on the state of the field, on the risks of welding scholarly research to policy, on speaking to histories of violence in particular places, on defining key terms such as violence and terrorism, and on moving up and down the ladder of abstraction. He also speaks about his ambitious new book that seeks to synthesize the field of political violence. He ends with a stinging critique of research that privileges method over substance and with some reflections for graduate students entering the field.

5. Finding Answers

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Halperin ◽  
Oliver Heath
Keyword(s):  
Social Science ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Independent Variable ◽  
Key Terms ◽  
The Relationship

This chapter shows how to develop an answer to a particular research question. It first considers the requirements and components of an answer to a research question before discussing the role of ‘theory’ in social science research, what a ‘theoretical framework’ is, and what a hypothesis is. It then explores the three components of a hypothesis: an independent variable, a dependent variable, and a proposition (a statement about the relationship between the variables). It also looks at the different types of hypotheses and how they guide various kinds of research. It also explains why conceptual and operational definitions of key terms are important and how they are formulated. Finally, it offers suggestions on how to answer normative questions.

Dilemmas of autonomy and happiness

2009 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan R. Warnick
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Social Science ◽  
Subjective Wellbeing ◽  
Social Science Research ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Educational Policies ◽  
Human Flourishing ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Large Populations ◽  
Instrumental Justification

Harry Brighouse has advanced an intriguing set of arguments about the place of human flourishing in liberal educational theory. In his book On Education, Brighouse argues that autonomy can be justified instrumentally because it promotes flourishing. He links flourishing to the psychological concept of `subjective wellbeing' and he spells out the implications of subjective wellbeing research for educational policy. Each of these moves, while promising, raises questions. It is unclear how the instrumental justification for autonomy is a political improvement for liberalism over other justifications, and the link between autonomy and flourishing can be questioned on empirical grounds. In addition, a focus on subjective wellbeing may be irrelevant to the central ethical considerations relating to education and economic growth. Finally, the use of social science research on subjective wellbeing may present problems if it is used to construct educational policies around the `central tendencies' of large populations while overlooking students with more eccentric preferences.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document