1. Who among the following first developed the concept of general systems theory? (JUNE 2012)

1. Ludwig Von Bertalanffy
2. Colin Cherry
3. Robert K Merton
4. Talcott Parsons

Answer: 1

Ludwig Von Bertalanffy

Explanation:
Ludwig Von Bertalanffy, an Austrian biologist, is credited with developing the concept of General Systems Theory (GST) in the 1940s. GST is an interdisciplinary framework that studies systems as complex, interrelated structures, emphasizing the holistic view rather than reducing components to isolated parts.

Bertalanffy proposed that biological organisms and other complex entities function as open systems, constantly exchanging energy and information with their environments. His work laid the foundation for systems thinking across various fields, including sociology, psychology, management, and political science.

2. Which among the following statements is not correct? (JUNE 2012)

1. Post-behavioral political theory interrelates value and fact
2. Post-behavioral political theory is ethnocentric
3. Post-behavioral political theory is tied to action and relevancy
4. Post-behavioral political theory is change oriented

Answer: 2

Explanation:
Post-behavioralism emerged in the 1960s as a reaction to the limitations of the behavioral movement in political science. It emphasized the need for relevance, action, and a balance between empirical facts and normative values. Key features of post-behavioral political theory include:

• Interrelation of value and fact: It rejects the strict separation between values and empirical study.

• Action and relevance: It stresses the need for political science to be practical and socially relevant.

• Change-oriented: It encourages political scientists to engage in shaping and changing society, not just observing it.

The statement that post-behavioral political theory is ethnocentric is not correct. Post-behavioralism does not promote the dominance of any particular culture or political system; rather, it strives to make political science relevant across diverse contexts.

3. Who among the following is not associated with decline of political theory? (Dec-2012)

1. Peter Laslett
2. David Easton
3. Jean Blondel
4. Alfred Cobban

Answer: 3

Explanation:
The “decline of political theory” refers to the argument made during the mid-20th century that traditional normative political theory was losing its relevance due to the rise of empirical and behavioral approaches in political science. Several scholars were associated with this claim:

• Peter Laslett: Famously declared in 1956 that “political philosophy is dead,” signaling the decline of normative political theory.

• David Easton: Advocated for the behavioral revolution, which emphasized empirical methods and contributed to sidelining traditional political theory.

• Alfred Cobban: Also criticized the state of political theory and was vocal about its perceived irrelevance at the time.

Jean Blondel, on the other hand, is known more for his contributions to comparative politics and empirical political analysis. He was not specifically associated with the “decline of political theory” debate.