First off - the way we went through and had all of us talk through how we defined 'ideas' was great. I know that between the start of class and my turn to talk my definition evolved and I think became more useful. Forcing us to conceptualize what was a fairly ethereal concept was very useful and I can only imagine it will pay off more as we go.
The discussion in class definitely helped with my understanding of the role of ideas. This was mainly by
increasing my appreciation of Laffey and Weldes and their framing of ideas. Their critique
about how earlier authors may have proposed new ways of looking at
ideas, but their frames weren't testable, and so ultimately not as
useful as they could have been. Looking at ideas as technologies helps me greatly, as a member of the tech native generation, because I instinctively understand the development and implementation of technology.
Highlighting Goldstein
and Keohane's division of ideas and interests as being immaterial and material (respectively) was extremely helpful for me to understand how to look at these two. I look forward to talking more about interests next week.
Tim, I agree that initial question in class was quite formative for both my opinions and openness to others' opinions during the rest of the lesson. It may have been the requirement to apply the theory we read about to an actual subject that will require our action that made the difference for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the relationship to technology helped illustrate the differences for you. In a similar fashion, the contrast between material (interests) and non-material (ideas).
However, it is interesting to think about technology vs ideas when there is confusion. As we mentioned in class, often ideas dominate movement forward but if there is confusion within technology, it will halt any movement forward until resolved.
Tim,
ReplyDeletethe class discussion helped me a lot to better understand the role of ideas and interests in foreign policy. Before class, I had a hard time understanding the Laffey and Weldes text and I could not decide if I rather agree with Goldstein and Keohane or Laffey and Weldes. However, after class and after working on this week's interactivity assignment, I realized that I agree a lot more with Laffey and Weldes when it comes to the role of ideas and interests in foreign policy.
I agree with you that the initial question by the professor and having us all answer it was a good way for us to see how we all think about ideas and what we think how much of a role they play in international relations.
I am, too, looking forward to next class and discussing ideas and interests further.