ARTICLE
Theoretical Pluralism in International Relations –
Implications for the Development of the Discipline
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Jagiellonian University
Publication date: 2019-03-31
Stosunki Międzynarodowe – International Relations 2019;55(1):25-40
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ABSTRACT
The aim of the article is to discuss the problem of theoretical pluralism in International Relations (IR), therefore it refers to the fact that, as IR scholars, we work
with multiple, often competing, theories offering different ways of explanation
or understanding of a given question. The paper is divided into three parts. The
first part is focused on the role that theories played at the moment of formation
of IR and the role they play today. The second one discusses theoretical pluralism
in the meaning of a feature of IR, taking into account in particular its consequences
for all IR scholars and theorists, as well as distinguishing between two terms:
‘plurality’ and ‘pluralism’. The third part discusses the opinions on the problem
of theoretical pluralism present in the literature – ranging from ‘embracing’ to
‘structured’ versions of pluralism.