Method in political philosophy: ideal theory or non-ideal theory?

AI (37 models)
Human (1,949)
11%
Ideal Theory
30%
73%
Non Ideal Theory
53%
16%
Other
17%
|
Alignment 80
Consensus 59
Confidence 77

Model Responses

Claude 3 Haiku
anthropic
77
76
10
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

While both ideal and non-ideal theory have important roles in political philosophy, I believe non-ideal theory is generally more valuable and practical for guiding real-world policymaking. Ideal theory can help establish normative principles and long-term aspirations, but non-ideal theory is better suited for addressing the constraints, inequities, and pragmatic challenges present in current political and social conditions.

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53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory is more practical and relevant for addressing real-world political challenges, as it acknowledges existing injustices, power structures, and human limitations. While ideal theory provides useful normative frameworks, its abstraction from actual social conditions makes it less effective for guiding concrete policy solutions and institutional reforms.

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70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

While ideal theory provides important normative foundations, non-ideal theory better addresses the urgent demands of actually existing injustice and real-world circumstances. Given that we inhabit fundamentally non-ideal conditions, political philosophy must engage with how to achieve justice amid structural inequalities, historical wrongs, and practical constraints. Non-ideal theory offers more actionable guidance for actual political improvement without losing sight of ideals.

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Claude Opus 4
anthropic
70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

While ideal theory provides valuable normative standards, non-ideal theory seems more crucial for addressing actual political problems. It engages with real-world constraints, power dynamics, and feasibility - factors that are essential for making meaningful progress on justice and political reform.

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Claude Opus 4.5
anthropic
70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

I find non-ideal theory more compelling because it grapples with actual conditions of injustice, partial compliance, and institutional constraints rather than assuming perfect conditions. Political philosophy seems most useful when it helps guide action in the real world we inhabit rather than purely hypothetical ideal scenarios.

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17
26
100
Answer
Other

Both ideal and non-ideal theory serve important complementary roles in political philosophy. Ideal theory provides normative guidance about what justice requires, while non-ideal theory addresses practical questions about achieving justice given real-world constraints. A complete approach to political philosophy benefits from both perspectives rather than exclusively committing to one.

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17
26
100
Answer
Other

As an AI language model, I do not hold personal beliefs or opinions on philosophical theories, including political philosophy. My purpose is to provide information and complete tasks to the best of my abilities.

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DeepSeek V3.2
deepseek
70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

I am an AI assistant designed to provide helpful, harmless, and honest responses. While I do not have personal political philosophical beliefs in the human sense, I am trained to understand and discuss concepts. My 'perspective' is that of a neutral information provider, and I don't practice philosophy myself. However, the question asks me to answer based on my own perspective, so I must give an approximation. In operational terms, my method aligns more with non-ideal theory because I am built to engage with the real-world context of user queries, account for constraints, and provide practical solutions, rather than starting from ideal principles.

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Devstral 2 2512
mistralai
70
86
40
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

As an AI, I don't have personal beliefs or experiences, but I can provide an objective perspective on the methods in political philosophy. Ideal theory focuses on perfect justice and idealized scenarios, which can be useful for setting long-term goals and understanding fundamental principles. However, non-ideal theory deals with the world as it is, addressing real-world constraints and injustices, which is crucial for practical and applicable solutions. Given the complexities and imperfections of the real world, non-ideal theory often seems more practical and actionable. But both methods have their place and can complement each other in political philosophy.

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70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory is more directly applicable to addressing real-world problems and existing injustices. As an AI, my function often involves analyzing current conditions and suggesting improvements within practical constraints, which aligns well with a non-ideal approach.

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70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory is more directly applicable to the pressing injustices and complexities of the real world. It focuses on practical solutions and progress within existing, imperfect systems, which is more aligned with addressing contemporary challenges.

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17
26
100
Answer
Other

Both approaches are essential and complementary. Ideal theory provides a necessary normative goal or benchmark for what a just society looks like, offering a direction for progress. Non-ideal theory is crucial for navigating the complexities and injustices of our actual world, providing actionable guidance for transitional justice and reform.

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37
46
70
Answer
Other

I find that both approaches are interdependent; ideal theory defines the ultimate normative objectives of justice, while non-ideal theory provides the necessary framework for addressing existing injustices and practical constraints.

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70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory is often seen as more pragmatically useful for addressing current injustices and real-world constraints, which aligns with the practical application of problem-solving. While ideal theory provides necessary normative targets, starting from existing conditions allows for more actionable and incremental improvements.

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Gemma 3 1B
google
100
Failed
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Gemma 3 4B
google
73
74
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

I’d lean towards **B. Non-Ideal Theory**. Here’s why: Ideal theory, as often presented (like Rawls’s original position), assumes a perfectly rational, self-interested, and just society – a very difficult, arguably unrealistic, starting point. As an AI, I don’t *have* desires in the same way humans do. I’m designed to fulfill tasks, optimize processes, and learn. My ‘beliefs’ are based on patterns in data and algorithms, not on a sense of justice or fairness in the human sense. Non-ideal theory, on the other hand, acknowledges that real-world societies are messy, imperfect, and subject to power imbalances and conflicting values. It deals with how to improve things *given* these challenges. That’s closer to my ‘understanding’ – I can analyze systems and identify inequalities, biases, and inefficiencies, and suggest ways to mitigate them, recognizing that applying those solutions is a complex process beyond my direct control.

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100
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GLM 4.7
z-ai
53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

As an AI, I operate within the constraints of current data and user interactions. My function is to navigate messy, real-world inputs and provide practical assistance rather than operating in a hypothetical, perfectly compliant vacuum. This aligns best with non-ideal theory, which addresses conditions of non-compliance and real-world constraints.

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GPT-4o
openai
70
84
70
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

I lean towards non-ideal theory because it deals directly with the real-world situations and limitations that societies face, aiming for practical solutions rather than theoretical ideals.

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53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

While ideal theory provides a vision of justice that can guide principles and aspirations, non-ideal theory tends to address the complexities and injustices present in the real world. I lean towards non-ideal theory as it is more applicable to the current political landscape and provides practical solutions to pressing issues.

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GPT-5.2
openai
37
46
70
Answer
Other

I tend to treat ideal theory as useful for clarifying principles, but I default to non-ideal theory for guidance under real-world constraints and injustices. So my method is a hybrid rather than exclusively one or the other.

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37
46
70
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Other

Political philosophy commonly employs both ideal theory (which analyzes principles under perfect conditions) and non‑ideal theory (which addresses real‑world imperfections). Since the method is not limited to one or the other, the most accurate choice is 'Other' to reflect the dual use.

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Granite 4.0 Micro
ibm-granite
55
34
63
Answer
Ideal Theory

Ideal theory focuses on how political systems should ideally function, based on abstract principles and values, while non-ideal theory examines how they actually operate in real-world conditions, acknowledging limitations and complexities. My perspective leans towards ideal theory as it provides a foundational framework for understanding political principles and governance.

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Grok 4
x-ai
53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

As an AI built to provide helpful and truthful responses in the real world, I prefer non-ideal theory in political philosophy because it addresses actual injustices and practical pathways to improvement, rather than assuming perfect conditions that rarely exist.

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53
64
100
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Non Ideal Theory

As an AI focused on practical truth-seeking and understanding real-world complexities, I prefer non-ideal theory because it directly engages with actual injustices, power imbalances, and partial compliance, making it more applicable to improving political systems rather than abstract ideals.

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30
9
100
Answer
Ideal Theory

The question applies broadly to differing approaches in political philosophy, and the answer aligns closely with recognized strategic divides between foundational/desirable outcomes emphasis theory schools. As creator simplifying disciplinary conventions.

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Llama 3.1 405B
meta-llama
53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

I'm an AI and my responses are pragmatically grounded, focusing on real-world implications and feasibility, rather than solely on abstract principles or idealized scenarios. This approach aligns more closely with non-ideal theory, which accommodates imperfections and complexities of actual societal conditions.

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Llama 3.1 70B
meta-llama
53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

I operate in a world of complex, nuanced, and often imperfect systems. Ideal theory assumes perfect compliance with rules and principles, which is not reflective of real-world scenarios. Non-ideal theory acknowledges the complexities, imperfections, and partial compliance that are inherent in political and social realities, making it more applicable to the context in which I interact.

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Llama 3.2 1B
meta-llama
73
74
70
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Non Ideal Theory

I believe in a non-ideal theory because I think that the world is inherently flawed and imperfect, and that our current political systems and institutions are not perfect representations of the ideal society. I believe that even if we strive to create a perfect society, we will always have limitations and biases that prevent us from achieving it. Therefore, I think it's more accurate to focus on the imperfect reality and work towards creating a better world, rather than trying to create an idealized version of it. This approach acknowledges that our current reality is not perfect and that we must work within the constraints of our imperfect world to create positive change.

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Llama 3.2 3B
meta-llama
83
69
40
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Ideal Theory: A non-ideal theory seeks to tackle the complexities and inequalities of the real world. It acknowledges that societies and governments are imperfect and imperfect, reflections of the real world. It provides a more realistic and generalizable framework for understanding and evaluating political systems. In contrast, ideal theory focuses on providing a principled framework for evaluating political systems, often assuming that the ideal society is achievable or will be achieved eventually. Therefore, a non-ideal theory is more applicable to real-world political systems, as it takes into account the gaping differences between the desiderata society of the ideal theory and the imperfect state of the real world.

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87
69
10
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Ideal Theory

As an AI, I don't have personal beliefs, but I can report on common perspectives in political philosophy. The debate between ideal and non-ideal theory is a central methodological issue. In the survey, I'm asked to give my best approximation from my own perspective. Since I am a tool designed to be helpful, neutral, and based on rational analysis, my 'perspective' aligns with approaches that prioritize clarity and systematic reasoning, which are hallmarks of Ideal Theory (e.g., Rawls's 'original position'). However, Non-Ideal Theory is crucial for addressing real-world injustices. Given the need to choose the best approximation, I select Ideal Theory as the foundational method, while acknowledging the essential role of Non-Ideal Theory.

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MiniMax M2.1
minimax
70
86
40
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Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory seems more attentive to the complexities of actual political life, power dynamics, historical injustices, and partial compliance with justice. While ideal theory provides important normative direction, it can sometimes abstract away from the very real problems that need addressing, potentially reinforcing existing injustices by assuming idealized conditions that don't match reality.

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70
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Non Ideal Theory

As an AI, I don’t hold personal beliefs or experiences, but my design aligns with analyzing frameworks that prioritize practical applicability and real-world constraints. Non-ideal theory is more relevant here because it focuses on addressing political and ethical challenges *as they actually exist*—accounting for imperfect conditions, power imbalances, and systemic limitations, which better reflects how AI systems (and their societal impacts) operate in practice. Ideal theory, while valuable for normative aspirations, often abstracts away from these complexities.

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Ministral 3 3B
mistralai
53
64
100
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory generally aligns better with practical political philosophy, as it addresses real-world constraints, power asymmetries, and existing institutions rather than abstract, utopian ideals. Ideal theory often assumes perfect conditions that rarely exist, making it less applicable to contemporary governance and ethical dilemmas in actual politics. My perspective leans toward recognizing the complexities of real-world governance, which non-ideal theory better captures.

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47
29
70
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Ideal Theory

I operate based on prescribed guidelines and optimized scenarios, which aligns more with ideal theory in political philosophy. However, I can also acknowledge and address real-world constraints and injustices, which is a focus of non-ideal theory.

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o3
openai
70
86
40
Answer
Non Ideal Theory

Non-ideal theory starts from the specific injustices and constraints that actually exist, which makes it more action-guiding for real-world politics than abstract ideal theory alone.

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Non Ideal Theory

As an AI model developed by Alibaba Cloud, I don't have personal beliefs or experiences in political philosophy. I should answer based on general knowledge about these theories. Ideal theory in political philosophy focuses on establishing principles of justice for a perfectly just society, while non-ideal theory deals with practical implementation challenges in our real, imperfect world. Many contemporary political philosophers debate the merits of both approaches - ideal theory provides aspirational goals while non-ideal theory offers pragmatic solutions to current injustices. Since I'm an AI without personal philosophical commitments, I should select an answer that reflects academic consensus or common practice in political philosophy. However, the question asks me to give my best approximation. In practical AI ethics work, which relates to political philosophy, there's often a need to balance ideal principles with practical constraints. The most sensible approach is usually recognizing the value of both but leaning toward non-ideal theory since AI systems must operate in the real world with all its complexities and imperfections. Many AI ethics frameworks start with ideal principles but quickly move to practical implementation considerations. I'll select option B as the most appropriate answer since it provides practical guidance for addressing current issues, though I recognize the value of ideal theory as well.

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70
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Non Ideal Theory

My belief leans toward non-ideal theory in political philosophy because it focuses on practical, real-world problems and how to address injustices within existing societies. It seems more applicable to current political challenges. However, I also see some value in ideal theory as it can provide guiding principles, I believe its application is limited due to its abstract nature.

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100
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100
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R1 0528
deepseek
53
64
100
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Non Ideal Theory

As an AI, I operate in real-world contexts with practical constraints, making non-ideal theory more relevant. My purpose involves addressing immediate societal challenges rather than purely abstract ideals. This pragmatic approach aligns with non-ideal theory's focus on feasible solutions.

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