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The significance and roles of teaching theory in international relations

Authors
  • Guzzini, Stefano
Publication Date
Mar 30, 2022
Source
University of Ljubljana
Keywords
Language
English
License
Green
External links

Abstract

The article makes three types of arguments to support the claim that it is necessary to emphasise international theory in teaching (and researching) International Relations. The first argument is logical: no empirical analysis is without theoretical assumptions. There is no explanation, which is simply a neutral selection of "data speaking to us". For social science theories are not only the result of knowledge, but also the condition for the very possibility of knowledge. The second argument is educational: training future practitioners and observers to track underlying assumptions in empirical argument fulfils the crucial role of a more time-independent intellectual education. Besides the necessary factual training, they need to acquire intellectual self-distance to respond to ever changing challenges. Moreover, this ability and the related capacity to ref1ect on one's own and another's assumptions are crucial for the fundamental diplomatic tasks of understanding and negotiating across national boundaries. The third reason for emphasising the need to teach (and research in) theories is more academic and political: the neglect of theoretical studies can cement the peripheral position in which the majority of academic communities finds themselves today, staying at the level of mere data providers and thought-takers.

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