Manchester University Press
2 The critique of traditional/problem-solving theory
Abstract
In order to clarify the use of the term critical theory, this chapter looks at some examples from mainstream International Relations. Neorealism is taken as the paradigmatic example of a problem-solving or traditional theory. The chapter will assess why that is so, and examine whether there are any grounds for challenging that view. A more hard test case would be Social Constructivism, and the chapter will assess the extent to which this approach could be considered a critical theory and on what grounds. The aim of the chapter is to indicate that a hard distinction between critical theory and problem-solving theory is hard to sustain and that perhaps all theory contains some mixture of critical and problem-solving elements – though in different combinations.
Abstract
In order to clarify the use of the term critical theory, this chapter looks at some examples from mainstream International Relations. Neorealism is taken as the paradigmatic example of a problem-solving or traditional theory. The chapter will assess why that is so, and examine whether there are any grounds for challenging that view. A more hard test case would be Social Constructivism, and the chapter will assess the extent to which this approach could be considered a critical theory and on what grounds. The aim of the chapter is to indicate that a hard distinction between critical theory and problem-solving theory is hard to sustain and that perhaps all theory contains some mixture of critical and problem-solving elements – though in different combinations.
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Preface and acknowledgements viii
- 1 Critical Theory 1
- 2 The critique of traditional/problem-solving theory 21
- 3 The limits to knowledge 45
- 4 The operation of power 84
- 5 Practice 120
- 6 Can Critical International Relations Theory be more than critical? 151
- Bibliography 175
- Index 193
Chapters in this book
- Front Matter i
- Dedication v
- Contents vii
- Preface and acknowledgements viii
- 1 Critical Theory 1
- 2 The critique of traditional/problem-solving theory 21
- 3 The limits to knowledge 45
- 4 The operation of power 84
- 5 Practice 120
- 6 Can Critical International Relations Theory be more than critical? 151
- Bibliography 175
- Index 193
