Alternative Theories

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Professor J’s Response:
Do not isolate this criterion, but consider all of the criteria (i.e., i., ii., and iii.) within the same context. For example, see ii & iii. below. The alternative theory needs to be one that challenges the validity, weaknesses or biases of your selected theory, and then you will have to defend against those challenges.

The idea is to select 2 alternative theories that you can compare and contrast with your selected theory. So, think of this criterion like Week 7’s discussion question where we are exploring the weaknesses and biases of theories. For example, as we have seen throughout the course thus far, theories are often developed based on gaps in other theories, and/or the failure of a theory to explain every aspect of behavior, thought, emotion, and in this instance, personality, etc. For example, based on the reading, social learning theory was developed in response to and to correct perceived shortcomings of behaviorism. So, if your final project was based on Skinner’s theory of Behaviorism, Social Learning theory would be a very good alternative theory to select. Before you select the alternative theories, I usually encourage students to try the following strategies:
First, clearly write down the weaknesses or biases of the theory you selected for your final project? What are the weaknesses (or biases) of the theory you selected for your final project?
While reviewing the weaknesses of your selected theory consider the other theories we have explored. Could any of them be the answer to the weaknesses/biases of your selected theory? Could any of them fill the gaps in your theory? If so, select it. Remember you need 2 alternative theories.
Another strategy is to consider that most theories evolve out of other theories because there was some gap or shortcoming. So, based on your research, consider if there are any theories that have tried to improve on your selected theory. Those theories will usually be good bets because they often challenge or disagree with an aspect of the initial theory.
Another approach is to look at research related to your theory and read the literature reviews. Based on the research question being explored, the lit reviews can be a great resource, and may include how it has evolved as well as criticisms, which may lead you to a clear alternative theory.
Another strategy is to simply conduct a google scholar search based on the actual grading rubric requirement using different search phrases based on your selected theory or key concepts of the theory. For example, if you selected Seligman, use research phrases such as: alternative theories to Seligman’s theory, theories that challenge Seligman’s theories, Theories that challenge learned helplessness, etc. You can also seek additional assistance directly from the Shapiro library staff.
Hope this helps! -Professor Jenkins

Sample Solution

this case, Locke states, that dispute may emerge between the executive and the legislature; rule by legislation and rule by prerogative each preserve the political community and reflect its foundation out of the state of nature. Therefore, one may argue that therefore, the executive and the legislature do not easily coexist in the constitution, furthermore providing no means to judge the rightful use of prerogative.
Others may consider Locke’s power to act outside of normal law as entirely extra- constitutional—its foundation is in natural law, prior to positive law—a natural power. In this way, prerogative is not a grant of the people to the executive in the social contract, embedded in a constitutional structure, but a natural power that persists in civil society.

Therefore one may contend that, in effect that only a countervailing natural force can restrain extralegal power; in this way the manifestation of this force may not be under the authority of the legislative as the representation of the people. A number of counteracting forces may prevent such a body from fully defining such uses of prerogative in order to assert its use beyond, or without the rule of normative law. The powers of the prerogative under the executive are only at balance when the use of prerogative can be clearly defined; thus significantly limiting the scope of power of the legislative in respect to that of the executive.

It is true that Locke’s work is still highly relevant today, and plays a key role in understanding the modern use of prerogative powers at the behest of the executive; Lockean prerogative theory is the basis of a large amount of contemporary scholarship and one may appreciate the echoes of these constitutive ambiguities in the contemporary theory and obdurate practice of emergency powers. There are a number of key theorists regarding this approach to the assessment of the use of prerogative by the executive, allowing an expansive insight into the practice of Lockean theory in modern society.

Citing Locke directly, American political scientist Jack Goldsmith discusses the mobilisation of Lockean theory during post 9-11 contemporary policy debate during the Bush administration of the early 21st century. Such declarations of crisis powers also operate in the ambiguous space between the legal and the extra-legal, and were central to most of the subsequent emergent contemporary debate and literature on the ‘legality’ of extra-legal powers.

In conclusion, although Locke makes an effort in order to charge the legislature with some degree of authority over that of the executive upon the practice and enforcement of prerogative powers, th

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