Chair of Political Theory and Philosophy

The teaching and research activities of the Chair of Political Science II comprise three main areas:

Political Theory, Political Philosophy, History of Political Thought.

Political Theory

A key feature of modern empirical-analytical theories of politics is the use of “statements of fact” to explain social and political phenomena. Abstract, generalizing statements are used to explain the structures and processes of political reality and enable predictions to be made.

Political philosophy

Political philosophy is the continuation of the original question of political science regarding a good and just order. The focus is on “ought statements,” i.e., values and norms. The aim is to demonstrate the necessity of political or social reforms through argumentation or to reject demands for such changes with arguments.

History of political thought

The history of political ideas offers an almost inexhaustible reservoir of arguments, positions, and perspectives that political science must continually face. Texts from antiquity to the present are reconstructed in their respective historical contexts, and basic concepts and positions of political thought are examined for their changes and relevance today.