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