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 Eklavya
• Political theory is the study
Study Point
of ideas and principles
about how societies should
be organized and
governed.

• It explores questions like

what makes a government
fair, what rights people
should have, and what role
power plays in society.
Political Theory
and Human
Uniqueness
Human Capacity for Reflection Eklavya
Study Point
and Communication
• Humans are distinct because
they can think deeply about
their actions and choices.

• Unlike animals, humans use

language to share their
thoughts and beliefs about
what is good, fair, or
desirable.
Core Questions
of Political
Theory:
Political theory explores critical questions about society and
governance:

• Organization of Society: How should we structure society for

fairness and functionality?

• Need for Government: Why do we even need government?

• Best Form of Government: Is democracy, monarchy, or

another form the most suitable?

• Limits of Law on Freedom: Does having laws restrict our

freedoms, or are they necessary for order?

• Responsibilities of State and Citizens: What does the state

owe to its people, and what duties do citizens have to one
another?
• By addressing these Eklavya
Study Point
questions,

• political theory helps

define what values
(like freedom,
equality, and justice)
mean and why they
are essential.
 Political
Thinkers and
Analysis
 Eklavya
• Political theory Study Point
studies past and
present thinkers
who shaped ideas
about politics and
society, such as
Plato, Rousseau,
and Gandhi.
• It examines how these
ideas are applied in
modern institutions
like schools and
government offices to
see if values like
equality and freedom
are present.
Goals of
Political
Theory:
• To educate citizens in Eklavya
critical thinking about Study Point
political issues.

• To evaluate current
political events and
policies, helping people
form rational opinions on
important issues in
society.
What is
Politics?
Different Perceptions of Politics:
• Public Service:
Many politicians
believe their work
is about serving
society.
 Eklavya
• Manipulation and Study Point
Corruption: Some
people see politics
as being about
manipulation, self-
interest, and
corruption.
 Eklavya
Study Point
• Skepticism Towards
Politics: Actions by some
politicians (e.g.,
changing parties,
making false promises)
create distrust, making
people feel negatively
about "playing politics."
Essential Role of Politics in Society
• Politics is
necessary
for any
community
or society
to function.
 Eklavya
• Gandhi described Study Point
politics as being
unavoidable, like “the
coils of a snake” –
something we must
engage with, whether
we like it or not, to
improve society.
 Eklavya
Study Point
• Society requires
political structures
to coordinate and
make decisions
that account for
everyone’s needs
and interests.
 Eklavya
The Role of Governments Study Point

• Governments set
policies in areas
like the economy,
education, and
foreign affairs.
 Eklavya
These policies have real Study Point
impacts, such as:

• Positive Outcomes:
Promoting employment,
increasing literacy, and
improving healthcare.
• Negative Impacts: Poor
governance can lead to
violence, shutdowns of
essential services, and
disruption of daily life (like
closed markets or disrupted
education).

• People are affected directly by

these decisions, leading them
to follow government actions
closely.
Politics Extends Beyond Eklavya
Study Point
Government Actions:
• Public Involvement:
Politics includes
public reactions to
government, like
protests, campaigns,
and voting.
 Eklavya
• Societal Impact: Politics Study Point
affects people daily –
it’s not just about what
happens in government
offices but also in
schools, workplaces,
and community
gatherings.
• Collective Decision-
Making: Politics
involves negotiation
and cooperation
among people and
groups to reach
decisions that benefit
society as a whole.
 Eklavya
Politics as a Process of Study Point
Engagement and Negotiation
• Different Visions of
Justice and Desirability:
People have varied
ideas of what is fair and
beneficial for society.
 Eklavya
Study Point
• Political Activity:
Whenever people
negotiate, advocate for
change, or organize for a
common purpose, they
engage in political
activity.
 Eklavya
Study Point
• Aspiring for a Better Society:
Politics involves trying to
improve society by
engaging in actions that
promote social and
economic development and
resolving collective issues.
 What Do We
Study in Political
Theory?
 Eklavya
Observing Society Study Point

• When we look at society,

we notice constant
change, movement, and
development.

• Beneath this change,

there are stable values
and principles that inspire
people and shape policies,
like democracy, freedom,
and equality.
• These ideals are often
enshrined in national
constitutions,

• such as those of the

United States and India,
representing long-
debated ideas.
 Historical
Influence of
Thinkers
• Political theory
builds on centuries-
old debates by
thinkers like
Kautilya, Aristotle,
Rousseau, Karl
Marx, Mahatma
Gandhi, and Dr. B.R.
Ambedkar.
 Eklavya
• These ideas influenced the Study Point
Indian Constitution,

• which includes principles

of freedom and equality,
and abolishes
untouchability, with
Gandhian principles in the
Directive Principles.
Core of
Political
Theory
• Political theory
examines ideas and
principles that
define constitutions,
governments, and
social life.
 Eklavya
Study Point
• It clarifies the
meaning of complex
concepts like
freedom, equality,
justice, democracy,
and secularism.
 Eklavya
• Although many of Study Point
these thinkers
weren’t politicians,

• their ideas continue

to influence modern
political leaders and
policies.
 Ongoing
Relevance of
Political
Theory
 Eklavya
• Even though India is Study Point
free and democratic,

• issues of freedom and

equality remain
relevant as they are
applied differently in
various parts of
society.
 Eklavya
• Political vs. Social Equality: Political Study Point
equality exists, as everyone has
equal voting rights.

• However, economic and social

inequalities still exist

• , where some people enjoy privileges,

while others lack access to basic
needs due to caste or poverty.
• New Interpretations: Rights Eklavya
like the right to life are Study Point
reinterpreted to cover more
areas, such as the right to
livelihood.

• This evolving understanding

shows that concepts in the
constitution are continually
adapted to address new
social issues.
 Putting
Political
Theory into
Practice
 Eklavya
Focus on Key Political Ideas Study Point

• This textbook focuses

on major political
concepts like freedom,
equality, justice,
citizenship,
nationalism, and
secularism.
 Eklavya
Political theorists ask Study Point
questions like:

• “What does freedom mean?”

• “How does equality impact

social relationships?”
 Eklavya
• Unlike concrete Study Point
definitions in subjects
like math,

• political concepts have

varied interpretations
due to the complexities
of human relationships.
 Eklavya
Examples of Equality in Practice Study Point

• Equality in Everyday
Life: People expect fair
treatment in public
spaces, like waiting
rooms or queues,
where equal
opportunity is valued.
• Special Treatment:
Separate counters for
the elderly or disabled
show that equality
sometimes involves
fair adjustments
based on different
needs.
 Eklavya
• Economic Disparities: Many Study Point
people lack basic resources,

• which raises questions of

economic fairness,

• suggesting that equality also

means ensuring no one is
excessively disadvantaged.
• Educational Barriers: Some Eklavya
children, especially girls in Study Point
poorer families,

• miss school due to economic

constraints,

• highlighting that the right to

education is not fully
realized.
 Putting
Political
Theory into
Practice
 Eklavya
Broad Applicability Study Point
Across Professions
• Political theory is relevant
to various professions
(politics, law, teaching,
journalism) as it helps
professionals understand
and shape society.
• Even for students,
political
knowledge is
beneficial, just as
arithmetic is
useful even if one
doesn’t become a
mathematician.
 Eklavya
Responsible Citizenship Study Point

• As future citizens,

• students should
understand political
ideas, as they will
eventually vote and
make decisions
affecting society.
• Knowledge of
political theory
enables responsible
participation in
discussions, voting,
and advocacy on
various platforms,
both online and
offline.
Influence of an Informed Citizenry
• Educated citizens make
politicians more accountable.

• Just as a knowledgeable
audience inspires a better
performance from musicians,
informed citizens encourage
better governance.
Practical Relevance of Eklavya
Study Point
Political Concepts
• Concepts like freedom and
equality directly impact
daily life,

• as people experience or
witness discrimination in
various settings (family,
schools, workplaces).
 Eklavya
Value of Debating Skills Study Point

• Political theory
strengthens
debating skills,

• helping students
express their views
thoughtfully.
 Eklavya
• By learning to argue Study Point
reasonably,

• students can communicate

effectively in discussions on
justice, equality, and other
political values, which is
valuable in an interconnected
world.