Who among the following scholars is not related to resurgence of political theory?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
Alfred Cobban (1901–1968) is correctly identified as the scholar not related to the resurgence of political theory. Cobban was a British historian and political theorist whose most famous work, *The Decline of Political Theory* (1953), argued that political theory had lost its relevance and vitality, becoming either descriptive political science or historical analysis. His analysis represented the intellectual climate *before* the resurgence took place, which began in earnest in the 1970s. Cobban is associated with the period when many felt political theory was obsolete, due to the rise of positivism and behavioralism, thus positioning him as a figure describing the "decline," not participating in the "resurgence."

The incorrect option is 1:
Michael Oakeshott (1901–1990) is a crucial figure associated with the defense and continued practice of political theory during the 20th-century decline, making him central to its eventual resurgence. His work, which emphasized tradition, practical knowledge, and philosophical reflection, provided a key philosophical counter-argument to the scientific reductionism of behavioralism. Oakeshott’s focus on the distinctiveness of political philosophy, as opposed to scientific inquiry, maintained the classical tradition of theorizing, which inspired later thinkers. His philosophical approach was vital in keeping the theoretical flame alive until the full-scale resurgence took hold.

The incorrect option is 2:
John Rawls (1921–2002) is arguably the single most important figure responsible for the dramatic resurgence of normative political theory. His monumental work, *A Theory of Justice* (1971), single-handedly rejuvenated the field by offering a systematic, comprehensive, and morally grounded theory of justice. Rawls shifted the focus of academic political thought away from purely empirical observation (behavioralism) back toward fundamental questions of liberty, equality, and social order. His influence sparked decades of intense philosophical debate and set the agenda for contemporary political theory.

The incorrect option is 3:
Jurgen Habermas (born 1929) is a leading figure in the resurgence of critical political theory, particularly through his emphasis on communicative action and deliberative democracy. His philosophical project sought to renew critical theory's focus on emancipation and rational societal debate in the modern context. Habermas’s work provided a powerful normative framework that challenged the purely technical or descriptive accounts of politics. Alongside Rawls, Habermas confirmed the renewed intellectual vibrancy of political theory in the latter half of the 20th century.