Twelve Theses on the Nature of Politics

Thesis 1: The Autonomy of Politics

Politics has its own meaning; its nature is specific. Heller: Policy is a specific law, differing from social life. Leibholz: Politics has its own basis and doesn’t mask other realities.

Some believe politics is merely a reflection of other fields (economics, etc.). However, politics has its own substance and is not solely dependent on other activities.

Thesis 2: Politics as Human Activity

Politics is an Activity of People

  • People engage in politics.
  • Politics is not essentially material or theoretical but is constituted by human activity.
  • Politics is more than just acquiring and retaining power.
  • Emphasizing politics as human action highlights its personal nature and equality.
  • Overemphasis on theory can be unrealistic.

Thesis 3: Politics and Freedom

Politics and Freedom are Intertwined

  • Politics involves unpredictability and uncertainty.
  • Politics both requires and fosters freedom.
  • Reducing politics to rigid schemes limits it.
  • Defending politics is defending freedom.

Thesis 4: The Public Nature of Politics

Politics is Public and Limited

  • Personal and private spheres exist outside politics.
  • Not everything social is political.
  • Not all government activities are political (e.g., public administration).
  • Key personal areas should be protected from politicization.
  • Politics aims to solve problems but cannot resolve everything.
  • Politics relies on deeper social and personal foundations (social structure, morality).
  • Politics coordinates institutions and activities.
  • Political decisions hold a prominent place in society.
  • Politics should not encompass everything.

Even politicians need non-political spheres for their well-being.

  • Leibholz: but everything is political, everything is politicized. (Counterpoint)

Thesis 5: The Teleological Nature of Politics

Political Activity is Teleological and Non-Neutral

  • Politics involves bias, struggle, and passion.
  • All human action is purposive, and political action even more so.
  • Political actions are not neutral; they serve an end.
  • There is no political neutrality.

Thesis 6: Politics as Controversy and Conciliation

Politics is Both Controversial and Conciliatory

  • Political action involves both conflict and agreement.

“No government is so bad that it produces no integration, nor so good that it harms no one.”

  • Complete conflict resolution is impossible and undesirable in politics.

Politics offers common ground and reconciliation to prevent societal threats.

Coercion and consent coexist in political communities.

  • Fundamental agreement aids political functioning but cannot be imposed.
  • Reasonable procedural agreements can foster fundamental agreement.
  • Politics exists in constant tension.

Deliberative methods are valuable; not everyone needs to think alike.


Thesis 7: The Multifaceted Nature of Politics

Politics has Diverse and Opposing Aspects

Politics is complex: 1) Theoretical (Pragmatic) Art: Quick situational assessment and decision-making. 2) Practice: Developing plans for the community. Unpredictable and open to interruption.

Thesis 8: The Role of Common Sense and Humor

Common Sense and Humor Matter

  • Political activity is not solely rational.
  • Common sense is crucial for understanding and practicing politics.

Logic alone is insufficient; common sense provides balance.

  • Humor offers refuge for free spirits, especially in oppressive situations.

Thesis 9: Unequal Political Aptitude

Political Ability Varies

  • Some have more political savvy than others.
  • Political skills are randomly distributed.
  • No one excels in all aspects of politics.
  • Political ability can be improved and transmitted.
  • Everyone has the right to decide, regardless of skill.
  • Equal freedom exists alongside differing talents.

Thesis 10: The Non-Universality of Politics

Politics is Not Universal

  • Politics doesn’t exist in all societies or at all times.
  • Politics requires a certain level of societal complexity, heterogeneity, and order.

Modern society with a functioning liberal democratic constitution is an example.

  • Some political elements exist in all regimes.

Stable monarchies had limited politics.

Thesis 11: Politics, Diversity, and Complexity

Politics Thrives on Diversity and Complexity

  • Pluralism and differentiation are prerequisites for politics.
  • Plurality, complexity, and differentiation enable politics.
  • Undifferentiated societies can be apolitical.

Thesis 12: Anti-Political Positions

Anti-Political Stances Exist

(Pan-politicism and depoliticization are both anti-political)

  • This position is an activity of mind rather than an elaborate theory.

BOTH DENY THE IDENTITY OF THE POLITICAL SELF