Realismo Político: um método para a crítica ideológica

Abstract

In this work, we review and synthesize forms of ideological criticism present in contemporary realist political theory. We argue that central aspects of ideological criticism are not achieved, or are partially achieved, if the criticism is guided by moral or metaethical commitments. Since the lack of methodological criteria for this type of theorization creates concepts that are not very consensual, often based on assumptions about the truth of moral beliefs, or on the claim that there is a specific normativity of politics that emerges from the social context. We argue, in line with the contemporary debate, that the fundamental premise that guides political realism, namely, that political realities are empirically constituted, should be interpreted as a methodological orientation rather than a theoretical one. Thus, the defining characteristic of political realism as a method is an attempt to give autonomy, from intuitive or moral assumptions, to normativity and political theorizing. This framework of political realism gives social relations a genuinely foundational theoretical expression. Finally, we defend the need for a critical theory empirically based on real political relations and that this type of theorizing is important, as it distances critical conceptions based on abstract arguments or that appeal to intuition about “the political”, “the social”. ”, “human nature”, “the original position”, etc. An immanent critique methodologically oriented by political realism enables greater precision for conceptual creation and use. In addition, the rational reconstruction of an immanent point of view of ideological apparatuses is fairer, in the sense of respecting the content of the thought of political groups guided by different ideologies, as well as being more compatible with the commitment to political plurality, which is very important for western liberal democracies.