1. Great Debates in IR theory 1920s-Realists vs. Idealists- basic assumptions, nature of human beings 1950s-Traditionalists vs. behavioralists- methodology

2. Laws Patterns Regulatiries of IR or other physical phenomena How to explain laws?

3. Theory building Hypothesis generation If X then Y Independent –dependent variable Causal relationship Correlations Spurious relationship

4. Science as method Explain Predict Induction vs deduction Inductive fallacy

5. Theory Select facts/interpret facts To facilitate explanation Prediction Intellectual construct Composed of several sets of interrelated propositions to interpret and explain facts

6. Scientific approach What is scientific? accumulation of knowledge Systematic strategy-essential Aim is to control unsupported speculation Science is a matter of methods

7. Popperism-Karl Popper Testability Falsification Tentativeness Importance of methods over results

8. Popper Believe there is not such thing as absolute certainty But we can still falsify wrong conjectures Theoretical and methodological diversity Key strengths in social sciences

9. Traditional approach Participant observation Diplomatic history International law/treaties Memoirs Case studies

10. Behavioral/positivist approach Aggregate data Quantitative analysis Application of natural science methods to social sciences Mathematical modeling Simulation

11. Paradigms Sets of dominant theories at given periods Paradigmatic change- when a shift in dominant paradigm occurs, there is a scientific revolution (Kuhn) Newtonian physics vs Quantum physics Multiple Paradigms possible to explain same phenomena?

12. IR propositions When there is a balance of power, the likelihood of war increases When there is a preponderance of power, the likelihood of war increases The stronger a state’s military capabilities, the less the likelihood of an attack against that state Democracies are less likely to fight with each other

13. Rosenau-Thinking Theory thoroughly Avoid treating the task of formulating an appropriate definition of theory Empirical vs normative theory Assume underlying order for all human behaviour Sacrifice detailed description for general patterns Accept ambiguity Be ready to be proven wrong