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On the ‘Social Sin’ of Political Analysis: A Critical Quantitative Approach from a Systemic Perspective

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  • Francisco Parra‐Luna

Abstract

What is a political system? An organizational ‘instrument’ to satisfy the objective and subjective needs of people. How to operate it? By optimizing the relation T = Y/X where ‘Y’ is the ‘system of values’ produced and ‘X’ the means employed. Why does political science ignore this crucial relationship? Because it admits three historical fallacies: (i)it is not possible to know what values are produced by political systems; (ii) even if these were known, no valid quantitative date are available; and (iii) even if data were available, it is not possible to express ‘T’ as an integrated index. Three fallacies to show that most political analysis could be committing a grave social ‘sin’ because they scorn, systematically, the only thing the voters are looking for. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco Parra‐Luna, 2013. "On the ‘Social Sin’ of Political Analysis: A Critical Quantitative Approach from a Systemic Perspective," Systems Research and Behavioral Science, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 30(6), pages 661-676, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:srbeha:v:30:y:2013:i:6:p:661-676
    DOI: 10.1002/sres.2236
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    References listed on IDEAS

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