A scientific political theory is an ideal, whereas an empirical or modern political theory is the working model which Political Science aims at to build and develop. In its ideal form, as Meehan has summed up, a theory ‘is an act of creation and a work of art. Good theories are things of beauty and aesthetic worth: fertile, suggestive, simple, productive and satisfying’. Good empirical theories are rarely available.
They perform functions as mentioned hereunder:
(1) An empirical political theory is a must for the growth of Political Science as a re-established discipline. Only an overarching or general theory can bring about integration, coherence and autonomy to its subject matter. In fact, it is an indicator of the health and youth of the discipline. No science can be fruitful or grow without having a comprehensive theory.
(2) Theory explains political phenomena and events, finding out cause-effect relationships. It helps us to understand the political behaviour of man and systems; phenomena of violence, war or development; problems like racism, casteism, regionalism, etc. Many a time, it predicts coming events, thus warning man against their evil consequences. In this sense, it becomes a powerful tool to defend oneself. A theory based on empirical reality is a weapon to fight with false and motivated ideologies.
(3) Theory guides us to collect relevant facts and fill up the gaps or remove inconsistencies, if any. A science without a theory can be regarded as blind. Only theory enables a science to organise facts and give direction to research. Easton has remarked that without theory ‘political research must remain fragmentary and heterogeneous’. It enables the researcher to face the avalanche of facts and draw relevant generalisations.
(4) Abound theory (not an ideology) evokes satisfaction, self-confidence and proper understanding among all concerned. It unites human beings, groups and associations, and infuses coherence in their activities. A scientific political theory often becomes a powerful weapon to win over battles or fight against enemies. Occasionally, it provides legitimacy to the system of government or its rulers. Attainment of legitimacy reduces the cost of government, and makes it acceptable, effective and efficient. The ruling class, time and again, can spread the information that its actions are based on a sound, scientific and all-acceptable political theory.
(5) Arnold Brecht has regarded a scientific political theory as one of the greatest weapons to defend humanity. On the one hand, it can provide the basis to solve problems like war, development, and abundance; on the other hand, it can expose the ideologies propagated as scientific theories which factually are subversive of the human values. In its applied aspects a theory can control, demarcate and direct the forces of violence, racism, nationalism, sovereign status of states etc. Unless this is done, science and technology are likely to devour its own maker – man.
(6) As theory presents political reality in brief and concise form, political actors – leaders, politicians, citizens, administrators and diplomats – can make use of this knowledge, and can take appropriate decisions. The adversaries and citizens can also raise their voice, if action is not taken in accordance with the scientific theory. In the absence of non-adherence to such theory, ruling or governance becomes subjective, secretive, and segregate, people causing immense damage or harm to humanity. If the rulers themselves learn the tenets of an advanced modern political theory or act on the advice of such theorists, blunders and wasteful cost in terms of man and material can be avoided.
(7) Even with the present state of developing a modem political theory, one can hope to reach higher levels of knowing political reality, and construct structures, systems and processes suitable to a collectivity. In view of the fast developing science and technology, the speed and volume of empirical theorisation is likely to grow faster. In consequence, newer forms of postmodern political theory is surely to lead from micro to macro, even cosmic levels.
In the way, man can use his discretion in approximating his ultimate values in the light of empirical analysis and observation of their consequences for man. The development of such modern political theory may not allow the rulers to run governments in the name of some mystic values or to operate it as their personal estate.