Basic Political Concepts

By Paul F. deLespinasse, Adrian College

Copyright © 1990 by Paul F. deLespinasse. Permission is hereby granted to make unlimited numbers of copies of this book, electronically or in printing, for free or at-cost distribution, provided that this copyright notice and my e-mail and snail-mail addresses are included in all copies made. Translations into other languages are also permitted, subject to the previously stated conditions, and also on the condition that no additional copyright be claimed on the translation. Links to the website for this book from other websites are permitted and welcomed. E-mail: pdelespinass@adrian.edu. Snail- mail: Paul F. deLespinasse, Political Science Dept.,Adrian College, Adrian, Michigan 49221, USA.

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Table of Contents

Introduction: Towards a Systematic Conceptualization of Politics

Part I: Concepts of Decision-Making and Action

• 1. The Elements of Ad Hoc Rational Action
• 2. Rational Action in Specific Contexts
  • A. The Act of Creating A Rule: Principled Decisions
  • B. The Act of Organizing: Constitutive Decisions
  • C. The "Act" of Speaking: Lies as Political Language
  • D. The Act of Defining: Conceptual Engineering
  • E. The Act of Translating: Hijacking Authority
• 3. Decisions, Decisions!

Part II: Concepts of Human Association