I argue that there is no ´timeless wisdom´ to realism, because in my opinion wisdom has
nothing to do with realism. If realism is a timeless theory, then it should be viewed differently
from the concept of wisdom. Both will be discussed in the following essay.
Before we can fully answer the question if there is a ´timeless wisdom´ to realism, we should
focus on the meaning of wisdom. The term wisdom has a varity of different meanings and
implications in depending on your particular point of view. If you search the online lexicon
encarta, you find for instance explanations of “Western philosophic theories on wisdom”,
“wisdom in Chinese philosopic tradition”, mythological definitions of wisdom and there exist
other understandings of wisdom. (encarta. 13.11.07) Probably the political scientists have
another meaning of wisdom in their mind than the psychologists.
For this essay the definition of wisdom will be the one used in the encarta dictionary. It
declares wisdom as “the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments based on personal
knowledge and experience.” (encarta dictionary. 13.11.07)
When we use this definition, which is of course mainly used to describe the behavior of
human beings rather than a political theory, it is very doubtful to describe someone who sees
power politics and e.g. the use of war merely as a political instument, as a sensible being.
From a realist viewpoint states are “self-help agents” which only see their own interests and
carry it through in an anarchic world order. (Doyle et al., 1997, p. 165) In regard to
Machiavelli and Hobbes, humans are born bad. Carr and Morgenthau assume that the
mankind learned by sociological factors to be self-maximizers. (Brown, 2007) Realist politics
is power politics. Morgenthau claims that “power may comprise anything that establishes and
maintains the control of man over man. Thus power covers all social relationships which
serve that end, from physical violence to the most subtle psychological ties by which one
mind controls another.” (Morgenthau, 1948, p. 11) Does this sound sensible? The focus on
realism is rather power politics, conflict and war in which the values of cooperation, peace
and progress are focused in the theories of liberalism. (Jackson et al, 2003 ) Of course, if we
want to be 100 per cent correct, we also have to define the meaning of sensible decisions
making, which is used in the definiton of wisedom. This would be the right way to work
scientificly.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Is there a “timeless wisdom” to realism?
- What is wisdom?
- Is realism sensible?
- Is realism timeless?
- Is there a wisdom in realism?
- Realism is present in contemporary thought
- Is realism a timeless theory?
- Realism is not wise
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
The essay aims to explore the question of whether there is a timeless wisdom to realism. It seeks to answer this question by analyzing the concept of wisdom and its relationship to realism, examining the historical context of realism, and evaluating its relevance in contemporary world politics.
- The nature of wisdom and its relationship to realism.
- The historical evolution of realism and its theoretical foundations.
- The application of realism to contemporary international conflicts, particularly the case of Iran.
- The critique of realism, focusing on its potential for self-fulfilling prophecies and its limited explanatory power in certain conflicts.
- The role of postmodernist thought in deconstructing the concept of power and its impact on realist theory.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- The essay begins by defining wisdom as the ability to make sensible decisions based on knowledge and experience. This definition is then used to critically examine the core tenets of realism, particularly its focus on power politics and the use of war as a political instrument.
- The essay then delves into the historical development of realism, tracing its roots back to the Peloponnesian War and highlighting its resurgence in the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War.
- The essay explores the relevance of realism in contemporary world politics, examining the ongoing nuclear conflict between the West and Iran as a case study. It presents both realist and neo-realist perspectives on this conflict, showcasing the continuing influence of realist thought.
- The essay critically analyzes the potential for realism to create self-fulfilling prophecies, arguing that its emphasis on power politics and conflict can perpetuate insecurity and contribute to the very dynamics it seeks to explain.
- The essay concludes by exploring the impact of postmodernist thought on realist theory, highlighting how postmodernism challenges the traditional understanding of power and history, potentially undermining the foundations of realism.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the essay include realism, wisdom, power politics, balance of power, war, international relations theory, historical context, contemporary world politics, nuclear conflict, Iran, self-fulfilling prophecies, postmodernism, deconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core argument of realism in international relations?
Realism argues that states are "self-help agents" acting in their own interests within an anarchic world order, where power politics, conflict, and war are central instruments.
Is there a "timeless wisdom" to realism according to the essay?
The author argues that there is no "timeless wisdom" to realism because wisdom implies sensible decision-making, whereas realism often justifies physical violence and power over others.
How does the essay define wisdom?
Wisdom is defined as "the ability to make sensible decisions and judgments based on personal knowledge and experience."
How is realism applied to the contemporary Iran conflict?
The essay uses the nuclear conflict between the West and Iran to show how realist and neo-realist theories still influence modern diplomatic and military strategies.
What is the postmodernist critique of realism?
Postmodernism challenges realism by deconstructing the concept of power and arguing that history and "truth" in politics are constructed rather than objective or timeless.
What is a "self-fulfilling prophecy" in realist theory?
It is the idea that by expecting conflict and acting defensively (e.g., through arms races), states actually create the very insecurity and war they were trying to prevent.
- Quote paper
- Markus Minning (Author), 2007, Is there a “timeless wisdom” to realism?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/86648
