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Totalitarianism, Model Mania and Learning from Error

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  • Giovanni Sartori

Abstract

This article is conceived as a learning from error exercise under the assumption that unless we take stock of our past mistakes we are bound to repeat them. The notion of totalitarianism appears to serve this purpose well. It is shown, (i) that totalitarianism was dismissed prematurely for wrong reasons, (ii) that its successor concepts have been wrongly conceived as `models', and (iii) that model mania had developed to a point of harming our understanding. The exercise is retrospective in order to be prospective. Thus, totalitarianism is revisited to illustrate the analytic handling of typological constructs and to buttress the general point that political science has backed itself into a number of blind alleys.

Suggested Citation

  • Giovanni Sartori, 1993. "Totalitarianism, Model Mania and Learning from Error," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 5(1), pages 5-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:5:y:1993:i:1:p:5-22
    DOI: 10.1177/0951692893005001001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sartori, Giovanni, 1970. "Concept Misformation in Comparative Politics," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 64(4), pages 1033-1053, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mueller, Klaus, 1997. "East European studies, neo-totalitarianism and social science theory," Discussion Papers, Presidential Department P 97-004, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.

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