Understanding Key Terms — Distinctions
For each of the following pairs, explain what the key difference is between the two things, and explain any points of similarity between the two items. Finally, define what kind of difference it is.
For example, are these two things:
Total opposites of each other?
Two slightly different kinds of the same thing?
Two different parts of a spectrum? Simply two different things?
Two different academic subjects?
A big category that includes the other?
You may need to review earlier readings, and you may need to do some of your own thinking by coming to some of your own conclusions. This may require more than simply restating what the textbook says.
Each compare/contrast should be roughly 4-6 informative sentences. with specific information. Submit altogether as a single file attachment via the Submit Assignment button.
Pairs:
1. environmental determinism / environmental possibilism
2. methodological relativism / philosophical relativism
3. international studies / international relations
4. open political system / closed political system
5. comparative politics / international politics
6. anarchy (the international relations principle) / “anarchy” (everyday use of the word)