Ideology in Politics: An Essay in Analysis

Abstract

<p>This thesis is an attempt to examine the nature of ideological thought, and the way in which the concept of ideology is used in politics. A short survey of the concept introduces the topic. The concept is then treated in terms of epistemology, the sociology of knowledge, nationalism, and political theory and doctrine.</p> <p>The conclusions are that the proponents of the view that ideology is at an end in politics may well be correct in terms of their own implicit assumptions, but it is clear that this standpoint cannot be upheld if other assumptions are made. Substantial support may be given to this proposition by the fact that it is possible to argue that the "end-of-ideology" is itself an ideological viewpoint, and one that is substantially in favour of the status guo. As such, this viewpoint appears to be inherently inimical to the philosophical critique of such basic political concepts as freedom, democracy, and political order.</p>