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The paper critiques the conceptualist tradition in political theory, arguing that political power arises from institutional structures rather than abstract definitions.

April 28, 2026Open Access

Power Is Not a Concept: A Constitutional Civic Realist Critique of Conceptual Theories of Power

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JMJohn MatylonekOldham Council

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Implication

Critiques conceptual theories of power in political theory, suggesting structural institutional focus in democracy.

Key Points

The paper critiques the conceptualist tradition in political theory, arguing that political power arises from institutional structures rather than abstract definitions.
Analyses the shortcomings of conceptual theories of power by referencing key theorists like Weber, Dahl, and Lukes.
Presents an argument based on the principles of Constitutional Civic Realism, emphasizing structural design in political institutions.
Establishes that political power is fundamentally tied to institutional architecture, not simply a definitional concept.
Suggests that understanding power from a structural perspective can address systemic imbalances within democracies.

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John Matylonek (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69f04e9b727298f751e728bd https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19794768

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Power Is Not a Concept: A Constitutional Civic Realist Critique of Conceptual Theories of Power

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Cite This Study

Power Is Not a Concept: A Constitutional Civic Realist Critique of Conceptual Theories of Power

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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