Political Theory

[IgnorantVeil]

Let's talk about PT! Who's applying as a primary field theorist? What're your interests? What schools have you applied to?

[Secret Squirrel]

I'm applying with a primary interest in ancient political thought (esp. Plato), and a secondary interest in contemporary analytic stuff with an emphasis on rights and general political obligation. I'll go ahead and guess that you're a Rawls fan.

I'm applying to Princeton, Stanford, Harvard, Berkeley, and Notre Dame.

Edit: I'm also interested in how recent work done by epistemologists informs political philosophy.

Edited October 20, 2011 by Secret Squirrel

[wmplax]

what are your stats?

[Secret Squirrel]

Check your messages.

[antikantian]

Just out of curiosity, can someone explain what motivates one to apply to political theory versus philosophy? I'm currently working on my dissert in moral philosophy, but with an interest in political theory, and one of my all time favorite professors is a political theorist, so don't take this as a criticism. I can understand if someone has an interest in continental philosophy, which really isn't recognized as legitimate in analytic departments (and now contained mostly within English, Literature, and Political Theory, etc). However, if Secret Squirrel, for instance, is interested in Ancient thought, contemporary moral/political philosophy within the analytic tradition, and the intersection between moral philosophy and epistemology, wouldn't applying as well to philosophy departments make sense?

Again, I'm just curious, because retrospectively I wouldn't have only applied to philosophy, but broadened my applications to political theory departments as well.

[Secret Squirrel]

I'm applying to both and seeing what happens.

[Oroborus]

If you are thinking of specializing in ancient political theory do you have any background in ancient Greek?

Political theory is highly parasitic on philosophic claims of varying sorts. Had I known this when I began college I would have switched to philosophy and studied political philosophy. As it is my most recent book's shelving code is "Classical Studies/Cultural Studies" and my publisher forgot to bring the book to APSA (they brought it to APA, go figure)! But I had a spare copy *grin* and they displayed it throughout the conference. And to just confuse matters more people classify my research as "semiotics/literary theory" and I've taught philosophy courses!

Edited December 29, 2011 by Oroborus

[Secret Squirrel]

I don't have any formal training, but I have about two semesters worth of independent study. I've also read both the Euthyphro and Cleitophon in Greek, with the aid of a commentary.

Edited December 29, 2011 by Secret Squirrel

[ohsnap]

I will be learning Greek in grad school. I have not, however, been given the impression that one absolutely must know it. It's probably a good idea to at least have some general knowledge of Greek civilization and some words (especially those with alternate meanings, think eugens and the "noble lie").

Philosophy and political theory, while closely related, are two different disciplines. I couldn't imagine my way of interpreting texts fitting in with how those in the philosophy department approach texts (I've already tried, and it did not go well). I did not apply to philosophy programs because I think that the approach is so different. Maybe it's just my undergrad institution, but they are too disparate for me to even consider applying to philosophy programs.

[Eudaimonia]

Another theorist here.

Question: how much does the math section on the GRE matter for political theory?

[Secret Squirrel]

They want to make sure that you can pass the required courses. Also, what kind of theory do you do? I assume some Aristotle?

[Apill]

My work is at the intersection of Political Theory and IR. I'm primarily interested in non-Western political theory, specifically that from Hindu and Islamic cultures. Much of the philosophical output of those civilizations is studied through the religion or philosophy departments of most institutions. It used to be the same thing for East Asia too, but that's starting to change as people are studying Chinese ideas for these political philosophy in addition to their ethical, philosophical, or religious ideas. I'm interested in studying the political philosophy primarily of India and more generally of South Asia and the Middle East. I'm also interested in the intersection of religion and theory and history and theory and on that line, I've done some research on Hegel, Spengler, and the like. That's all theory wise. What I'm trying to do with my research is connecting that stuff to the actions and norms of the foreign policies of countries in those regions, specifically India and Pakistan.

Edited February 11, 2012 by Apill

[Secret Squirrel]

Perhaps I misunderstood, but I can assure you that very few philosophy departments in the English speaking world (by ratio) study Asian philosophy. In the departments that do have someone working on the topic, their numbers are few. In religion depts, I think it's common though.

[Apill]

You're right, there are almost no philosophy departs that study Asian philosophy. I was referring to Political Theorists in political science departments. I am aware of the facts that some specialists in the politics Japan, the Middle East, etc. for example study the political theory of those places. Non-Western Political Theory will (hopefully) in the future gain wider acceptance in Political Science departments. My argument is that Asian philosophy should be studied from a Political Science point of view in the same way that Plato can be studied as a philosopher, a semi religious mystic, or as a political theorist, as he will be for people who focus on his philosophy, his religion (neo platonic mysticism), or his political ideas in various different departments.

[dodolanausee]

Just out of curiosity, can someone explain what motivates one to apply to political theory versus philosophy? I'm currently working on my dissert in moral philosophy, but with an interest in political theory, and one of my all time favorite professors is a political theorist, so don't take this as a criticism. I can understand if someone has an interest in continental philosophy, which really isn't recognized as legitimate in analytic departments (and now contained mostly within English, Literature, and Political Theory, etc). However, if Secret Squirrel, for instance, is interested in Ancient thought, contemporary moral/political philosophy within the analytic tradition, and the intersection between moral philosophy and epistemology, wouldn't applying as well to philosophy departments make sense?

Again, I'm just curious, because retrospectively I wouldn't have only applied to philosophy, but broadened my applications to political theory departments as well.

 

This is such an old thread but I'm quoting antikantian only because I've experienced the exact same intellectual evolution in college. I was always swaying between political theory at the poli sci department and moral/political philosophy at the philosophy department for a long time. Then senior year, after some disillusionment while writing my thesis (political theory with an advisor whose primary appointment is at the poli sci department -- my undergrad major was philosophy) and a better experience taking a seminar on Kant, I'm currently only applying to programs in philosophy plus a comp lit program.

[twinsora]

Hi all, 

 

I'm applying to Canadian Schools for Fall 2015. My fields of interest are in Theory and IR.

 

For Theory, I'm interested in democratic theory and critical theory. Looking to investigate the problem of social and economic inequality and how modern capitalism, through the advent of technology, propagates inequality in democracies. 

 

The concern I have for my applications package is that my theory gpa is 3.7, but my overall estimated graduating gpa will likely be a 3.1/3.2. 

 

Anyone here with knowledge on applying to Canadian schools, particularly for theory? 

[maozedong]

Hi all, 

 

I'm applying to Canadian Schools for Fall 2015. My fields of interest are in Theory and IR.

 

For Theory, I'm interested in democratic theory and critical theory. Looking to investigate the problem of social and economic inequality and how modern capitalism, through the advent of technology, propagates inequality in democracies. 

 

The concern I have for my applications package is that my theory gpa is 3.7, but my overall estimated graduating gpa will likely be a 3.1/3.2. 

 

Anyone here with knowledge on applying to Canadian schools, particularly for theory? 

I am also interested in knowing more about the admissions standards for these programs. From what I have heard, UofT and McMaster are hot in theory right now so they are more competitive. Other schools shouldn't be too difficiult to get into given that you demonstrate good fit in other aspects of your application. Also, I know that York doesn't honor the B+ cutoff in its admissions but focuses more on your L2 and SOP.  

Edited November 21, 2014 by maozedong

[twinsora]

I'm actually an undergraduate at McMaster, and it is one of my options for graduate school. 

 

For the next academic year, there will only be two theory profs on residence, with the third prof going on sabbatical. 

 

They have a good MA program in theory, but unfortunately, no PhD program in theory. 

 

If you're into IR theory, there are a handful of profs here. 

[NMLogan]

Hey everyone!  I'm bumping this thread up on the off chance that more PT applicants are on the forums now that we're approaching decisions time.  

 

Anyone reading anything interesting at the moment?

[Facade19]

Well, I am one of what appears to be only a handful of applicants focusing on theory. As of now, I have to yet hear happy tidings from any of the programs to which I have applied. 

 

Based on your signature I venture to guess that you focus on Hannah Arendt? Personally, I am very interested in Machiavelli and his sources. Sounds vague, but before boring you or anyone else with pedantic musings, I will just say that I am currently reading Celine's "Journey to the End of the Night." 

[NMLogan]

Nice to meet you  .  Yes, I did a lot of work in undergraduate on Arendt, and she'll certainly remain a topic of interest, but I'm also interested in topics in critical theory, neoliberal legal theory, and the history of modern political thought, especially german and italian thought.  I also have an overarching interest in traditions of intellectual activism, and the question of the relation between theory and practice more broadly. Without outing myself too much, my proposal for applications had to do with the construction and exhaustion of political desire. 

 

I hope some program decisions start rolling in soon for both of us!  And I'm currently reading "The Need for Roots" by Simone Weil and "Utopia or Bust" by Benjamin Kunkle.  

[Facade19]

Oh these are quite fascinating intellectual interests and I believe, of great import. I am also quite pleased that your interests appear to align to continental thought, which of course to me, is also of very salient pursuits. 

 

My main interests, now that I received my first rejection and feel more at ease of disclosing more of myself on these forums, lies with the idea of political esotericism. In particular, to the idea of whether the political philosophers wrote in a "coded like manner" for purposes of protecting the mores and myths of states to preserve the laws and orders of political entities, i.e - stable political regimes - from the continual "deconstruction" of free thought; and whether, the modes of writing were not intended to subconsciously reshape and modify cultural values and power in such a way to furtively enable philosophers to indirectly rule. 

 

I tried reading a work of more theoretical leaning, but given that my mind is a turbulent uprooting, a novel tends to mollify my nerves. And I also hope that you and I get good offers soon.

Edited January 30, 2015 by Facade19

[NMLogan]

Interesting!  I have to assume you're reading a lot of Strauss?  Who are the thinkers that you love?

 

And yeah, I had been avoiding reading theory, but then the Weil caught my eye.  Initially for a totally superficial reason, actually.  It's called The Need For Roots (as in--culture, a past, the shared world, etc) but some troll-ish publisher made the cover art carrots!  As in, root vegetables.  I thought that was so bizarrely funny.  

Edited January 30, 2015 by NMLogan

[Facade19]

First of all, let me congratulate you on getting into the U of Chicago! An absolute outstanding achievement and certainly, given your interests/focus of studies, no better place exists. I am absolutely happy for you - and yes, I really mean it. 

I wish you nothing but the best and in case you are aiming for another institution, then I wish you much success with it (them) too. 

 

Concerning your question which thinkers I admire, I would have to say with an invigorating cheer that Plato, Machiavelli and Nietzsche are just the triumphant triumvirate of my existence. There is of course a pantheon of remarkable thinkers spanning from antiquity to contemporary intellectual circles that inspire me. But there is always something blithely, something of a halcyon quality in these three that I find nowhere else. 

 

I have heard of Simone Weil from a very young age and became very faintly acquainted with her ideas. However, I am certain that a conversation between us concerning her would end up by me remaining mostly silent and letting you educate me on her. 

 

Anyhow, congratulations again. This is indeed outstanding news. I marvel at your accomplishment! 

 

Edit: that is one clever cover!

Edited January 30, 2015 by Facade19

[NMLogan]

Thank you for such a sincere message!  I'm thrilled.  I hope for the same for you.