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The Paradox Of Ideology, Justin Schwartz Jan 1993

The Paradox Of Ideology, Justin Schwartz

Justin Schwartz

A standard problem with the objectivity of social scientific theory in particular is that it is either self-referential, in which case it seems to undermine itself as ideology, or self-excepting, which seem pragmatically self-refuting. Using the example of Marx and his theory of ideology, I show how self-referential theories that include themselves in their scope of explanation can be objective. Ideology may be roughly defined as belief distorted by class interest. I show how Marx thought that natural science was informed by class interest but not therefore necessarily ideology. Capitalists have an interest in understanding the natural world (to a ...

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Functional Explanation And Metaphysical Individualism, Justin Schwartz Jan 1993

Functional Explanation And Metaphysical Individualism, Justin Schwartz

Justin Schwartz

A number of (present or former) analytical Marxists, such as Jon Elster, have argued that functional explanation has almost no place in the social sciences. (Although the discussion is framed in terms of a debate among analytical Marxists, the point is quite general, and Marxism is used for illustrative purposes.) Functional explanation accounts for what is to be explained by reference to its function; thus, sighted organism have eyes because eyes enable them to see. Elster and other critics of functional explanation argue that this pattern of explanation is inconsistent with "methodological individualism," the idea, as they understand it, that ...

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Policraticus (Book Review), G. Scott Davis Jan 1993

Policraticus (Book Review), G. Scott Davis

Religious Studies Faculty Publications

Review of the book, Policraticus, edited and translated by Cary J. Nederman. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990.

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The Trial And Conviction Of Julius And Ethel Rosenberg: Politics As An Obstacle To The Right To A Fair Trial, Paul B. Derby Jan 1993

The Trial And Conviction Of Julius And Ethel Rosenberg: Politics As An Obstacle To The Right To A Fair Trial, Paul B. Derby

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Given the nature of this paper, I felt it necessary to explain my purpose in choosing the Rosenberg-Sobell trial as the subject of my senior honors thesis, and the methodology used in approaching this topic. My purpose in choosing this subject was twofold: First, I wanted to demonstrate the research and writing skills that I have developed during my four years as a student of history. This paper is intended to be a research paper. While I believe that there are some fascinating and controversial arguments discussed in this paper, I cannot claim to have originated any of these theories ...

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Ways To Think About The Unitary Executive: A Comment On Approaches To Government Structure, Michael A. Fitts Jan 1993