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The Ladder of Abstraction

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  • Rosemary H. T. O'Kane

Abstract

Sartori's arguments about conceptual logic have generally either been ignored by political scientists in practice or they have produced vehement objections based on abstract reasoning. Through examination of recent statistical analyses of African coups d'état it is shown that Sartori's worst fears have been confirmed. The purpose of comparison has been defeated, comparison for difference and similarity has been obscured by cases being turned into `no difference', and the research has been not only wasteful but also misleading. The demonstration that the inadequacy of these studies follows from conceptual logic confirms Sartori's recommendation for the use of the `ladder of abstraction'. What is true for coups serves as a clear warning for the practice of political science as a whole.

Suggested Citation

  • Rosemary H. T. O'Kane, 1993. "The Ladder of Abstraction," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 5(2), pages 169-193, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:5:y:1993:i:2:p:169-193
    DOI: 10.1177/0951692893005002002
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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.
    2. Jackman, Robert W., 1978. "The Predictability of Coups d'état: A Model with African Data," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 72(4), pages 1262-1275, December.
    3. Lijphart, Arend, 1971. "Comparative Politics and the Comparative Method," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 65(3), pages 682-693, September.
    4. O'Kane, Rosemary H. T., 1981. "A Probabilistic Approach to the Causes of Coups d'Etat," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 11(3), pages 287-308, July.
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