Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to the Political Theory Cookbook. This blog presents  an adaptation-for-home-use of the theories proposed by the Ancient and Modern Western Political theorists. It seeks to be both an illustration of and an online guide to political theory and a portal for public engagement. Current…

Idols of the Tribe

Idols of the Tribe

Francis Bacon was concerned about the variety of errors humans make that stand in the way of objective observation and scientific understanding.   He argued that there are some false idols that one must avoid if the goal is to truly understand something.   One false…

Hemlock tea

Hemlock tea

Polus: Is cooking an art?   Socrates: I’d say yes Polus: What is art? Socrates: A form of expression. Polus: Then I ask you, what art is cookery ?  Socrates: Then I reply, a certain habitude. Polus: Of what? Tell me. Socrates:Then I reply, of…

A necessary but not sufficient tapenade

A necessary but not sufficient tapenade

Aristotle, student of Plato, instructor to Alexander the Great, philosopher, logician and scientist and one of the original political theorists.  May we suggest as a starter Aristotle’s concept of necessary and sufficient conditions. Because he was Greek, this appetizer will be Greek.  The appetizer we…