The Idealisation Within Non-Ideal Theory and Realism

This paper claims that non-ideal (NI) theory and realism need to take a ‘public political philosophy turn’ in terms of methods debates, because of the claims that are fundamental to NI theory and realism. The first section outlines a common feature of ideal theory (IT) – idealisations. In the second section, I summarise the main issues NI theorists and realists have with them. I do this not just to familiarise the issues for those unfamiliar with the debate, but in a reflective way that elicits a contradiction within NI theory and realism. I explore a fundamental claim of realists – that political theory ought to be more focused on the context of real politics. I argue that this, when pursued to its conclusion, implies that political theory has a relationship of influence and impact on real politics and politicians. I claim that this is an idealisation – by NI and realism’s own standards - of academic research in politics. In other words, realists and NI theorists ought to apply realism to their own particular conditions. This being the case, NI theorists and realists should concentrate more attention on how we navigate this nonideal relationship. This means their methodological work should take a “public political philosophy turn” in order for NI theorists and realists to hold themselves to their own claims. I specify what this looks by presenting five considerations / questions, for future research.