[lbo-talk] "Theory's Empire," an anti-"Theory" anthology

[Carrol Cox]

I'm working on a much longer post focusing on Jerry's phrase, "misuse of
the word." Though I agree with Jerry on the need, in some contexts, of a
very narrow use of the term "theory," I do not agree that this need
should in any way limit the (necesary) use of the word in quite
different senses in other contexts. We do have to keep useful disputes
over categories of human knowledge from being distorted by squabbles
over how a _word_ 'should' be used. For the most part, any word 'should'
be used in any damn way any given speaker wants to use it. There are
just too many species and genera out there in the world for each to have
a name unique to it. The critical theorists were quite correct to speak
of critical theory -- that was NOT a misuse of the word. Arguments over
critical theory should not be arguents over word usage. Similarly,
arguments over the relationship of theory and practice should not be
squabbles over how word usage.

Carrol

Jenny Brown wrote:
> 
> Jerry Monaco wrote:
> >There might exist "political theorists" in this world but where is there
> >such a thing as "a theory of politics" that is worthy the name theory?
> >Unlike physics, we need no special training to understand politics or
> >history.  We do not need "a theory" to understand the political world,
> >though a strong "world view" within an historical tradition, worked through
> >with other people is a necessity.
> 
> Are you saying that no political theory is good enough?  Or that political
> theory is not possible?  Saying that political theories aren't very good isn't
> really proof that political theory is impossible.  All sciences go through
> bad patches.
> 
> So, what I'm getting here is that political and social life conforms to no laws
> and/or is so obvious on the face of it that it requires no special investigation
> or study.  Well, I suppose that explains why I disagree with your posts on other
> things.  Heh, since we were on the subject, some irritating Mao for ya, 'no
> investigation, no right to speak.'
> 
> Jenny Brown
> 
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