Induction and Deduction in Theorizing of International Relations

Abstract

The article presents the ways of understanding the place of induction and deductive reasoning in the process of building the theory and knowledge of international relations and the resulting disputes present in the International Relations. The author argues that in the study of international relations, as in the natural sciences, it is necessary to combine empirical observation with creative building of theory. The author performs a critical analysis of the positions of selected theoreticians of international relations on issues related to the problems of induction and deduction and theorizing of international relations.