Political Realism as Methods not Metaethics

Abstract This paper makes the case for a revision of contemporary forms political realism in theory. I argue that realists have gone awry increasingly centring their approach around metaethical claim: theory should be rooted form normativity is distinct from moral normativity. Several critics argued this claim unconvincing. But suggest it also counterintuitive starting point realism, and one unnecessary to avoid ‘applied morality’ oppose. Instead, methodologically orientated what term ‘empirically constitutive realities’ - enduring features real contexts are systematically consequential normative implications. Realists can persuasively such empirically realities must attended theory-building , not merely treated as context which independently formulated theories simply applied . framing accords politics genuinely foundational theoretical role, but without requiring any contentious stance about non-moral explain some methodological implications follow – particular need prioritise grounded theorisation over abstract rather essentialist claims ‘the political’. helps engender more accurate, less divisive, pluralist conception debates within