The Nature of Political Theory

An Eclectic Subject 15

our mind. Ancienttheoriais not a means in the same sense, but the end itself’ (Gadamer
1979: 412).
5.Theoryis a contested concept. It can claim to represent, correspond to, or reflect political
objects or events in the world. Further, it can also claim to embody the inner direction,
essence or telos of the world, which it then represents. Alternatively,theorycan actually
constitute what we understand by the world; the key question is then whethertheoryprovides
an internally-coherent account. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but it brings to
our attention the fact thattheoryis an open-textured concept. Its use cannot be easily tied
down to one stipulative meaning within the domain of politics.