What's The Difference Between The Political And politics?

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Understanding the Distinction

In the realm of political theory, two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. "The Political" and "Politics" are not synonymous, and their differences are rooted in the philosophical and scientific perspectives of political science. To grasp the distinction, let's delve into the concept of "The Political", as introduced by Carl Schmitt, and explore how it differs from the more commonly used term "Politics".

The Concept of the Political

Carl Schmitt's seminal work, "The Concept of the Political", published in 1932, laid the groundwork for understanding the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics". Schmitt, a German philosopher and jurist, argued that "The Political" is a unique sphere of human existence, characterized by the presence of a friend-enemy distinction. This distinction is not based on economic or social differences but on the willingness to use violence to achieve one's goals. In other words, "The Political" is concerned with the identification of friends and enemies, which is a fundamental aspect of human politics.

The Essence of Politics

In contrast, "Politics" refers to the activities, institutions, and processes that govern a society. It encompasses the various mechanisms, such as elections, legislation, and administration, that shape the lives of citizens. Politics is often associated with the pursuit of power, the distribution of resources, and the representation of interests. While "Politics" is a broader concept that encompasses various aspects of governance, "The Political" is a more fundamental and essential aspect of human existence.

The Distinction in Practice

To illustrate the difference between "The Political" and "Politics", let's consider a few examples:

  • "The Political" is present in the decision to go to war, as it involves the identification of friends and enemies and the willingness to use violence to achieve one's goals. In contrast, "Politics" is concerned with the diplomatic efforts to avoid war, the negotiation of treaties, and the allocation of resources for military purposes.
  • "The Political" is also present in the struggle for power and influence within a society, as it involves the identification of friends and enemies and the willingness to use violence or other means to achieve one's goals. In contrast, "Politics" is concerned with the institutional mechanisms, such as elections and legislation, that shape the distribution of power and influence.

Implications of the Distinction

The distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" has significant implications for our understanding of human politics and governance. By recognizing the unique sphere of "The Political", we can better understand the fundamental aspects of human existence that underlie all forms of politics. This, in turn, can inform our approaches to governance, diplomacy, and international relations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" is rooted in the philosophical and scientific perspectives of political science. While "Politics" refers to the activities, institutions, and processes that govern a society, "The Political" is a more fundamental and essential aspect of human existence, characterized by the presence of a friend-enemy distinction. By recognizing this distinction, we can gain a deeper understanding of human politics and governance, and develop more effective approaches to addressing the complex challenges of our time.

References

  • Schmitt, C. (1932). The Concept of the Political. Translated by George Schwab. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.
  • Arendt, H. (1958). The Human Condition. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.
  • Habermas, J. (1996). Between Facts and Norms: Contributions to a Discourse Theory of Law and Democracy. Translated by William Rehg. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

Further Reading

  • "The Political" by Carl Schmitt
  • "The Human Condition" by Hannah Arendt
  • "Between Facts and Norms" by Jürgen Habermas

Key Terms

  • "The Political": a unique sphere of human existence characterized by the presence of a friend-enemy distinction.
  • "Politics": the activities, institutions, and processes that govern a society.
  • Friend-Enemy Distinction: the willingness to use violence to achieve one's goals, which is a fundamental aspect of human politics.
    Q&A: Understanding the Difference between "The Political" and "Politics" ====================================================================

Frequently Asked Questions

In this article, we'll address some of the most common questions related to the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics".

Q: What is the main difference between "The Political" and "Politics"?

A: The main difference between "The Political" and "Politics" is that "The Political" refers to the unique sphere of human existence characterized by the presence of a friend-enemy distinction, while "Politics" refers to the activities, institutions, and processes that govern a society.

Q: Who introduced the concept of "The Political"?

A: The concept of "The Political" was introduced by Carl Schmitt in his seminal work, "The Concept of the Political", published in 1932.

Q: What is the friend-enemy distinction?

A: The friend-enemy distinction is the willingness to use violence to achieve one's goals, which is a fundamental aspect of human politics. It is a key characteristic of "The Political".

Q: How does the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" impact our understanding of human politics?

A: The distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" provides a deeper understanding of human politics and governance. By recognizing the unique sphere of "The Political", we can better understand the fundamental aspects of human existence that underlie all forms of politics.

Q: What are some examples of "The Political" in practice?

A: Examples of "The Political" in practice include:

  • The decision to go to war, which involves the identification of friends and enemies and the willingness to use violence to achieve one's goals.
  • The struggle for power and influence within a society, which involves the identification of friends and enemies and the willingness to use violence or other means to achieve one's goals.

Q: How does the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" impact our approaches to governance and diplomacy?

A: The distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" can inform our approaches to governance and diplomacy by providing a deeper understanding of the fundamental aspects of human existence that underlie all forms of politics.

Q: What are some key terms related to the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics"?

A: Some key terms related to the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" include:

  • "The Political": a unique sphere of human existence characterized by the presence of a friend-enemy distinction.
  • "Politics": the activities, institutions, and processes that govern a society.
  • Friend-Enemy Distinction: the willingness to use violence to achieve one's goals, which is a fundamental aspect of human politics.

Q: What are some recommended readings for further understanding the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics"?

A: Some recommended readings for further understanding the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" include:

  • "The Concept of the Political" by Carl Schmitt
  • "The Human Condition" by Hannah Arendt
  • "Between Facts and Norms" by Jürgen Habermas

Conclusion

In conclusion, the distinction between "The Political" and "Politics" is a complex and multifaceted concept that has significant implications for our understanding of human politics and governance. By recognizing the unique sphere of "The Political", we can gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental aspects of human existence that underlie all forms of politics.