Constructivism Vs. Rationalism

Paper Summary:

The paper explains constructivism to be a philosophy that holds that all knowledge, or how humans view their world, is constructed instead of being based on any actual realities. The paper discusses how constructivism is therefore fundamentally opposed to the premises of rationalism. The paper outlines how the constructivist theory finds its roots in ancient Greek philosophy and how it is applied in international relations.

From the Paper:

"Constructivism is a philosophy that holds that all knowledge, or how humans view their world, is constructed instead of being based on any actual realities. According to constructivism, knowledge does not necessarily reflect any external realities but instead is contingent on conventions, human perceptions and the overall social experience of an individual. In other word, according to constructivist theory, knowledge is nothing more than artificial reality."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Finnemore, Martha and Kathryn Sikkink. "International Norm Dynamics and Political Change", International Organization, Vol. 52, No. 4(Autumn 1998), 887-917.
• Klotz, Audie. "Norms Reconstituting Interests: Global Racial Equality and US sanctions against South Africa", International Organization, Vol. 49, No. 3 (Summer 1995), 451-478.
• Price, Richard. "Reversing the Gun Sights: Transnational CivilSociety Targets Land Mines", International Organization, Vol. 52, No. 3(Summer 1998), 613-644.
• Ruggie, John Gerald. "What Makes the World Hang Together?Neo-utilitarianism and the Social Constructivist Challenge", International Organization, Vol. 52, No. 4 (Autumn 1998), 855-885.
• Yun-han, Chu. "Taiwan's National Identity Politics and the Prospect of Cross-Strait Relations", Asian Survey, Vol. 44, Issue 4 (July/August 2004), 484-512.

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