The Concept Of Ideology?

This is the full text of the presentation given by Ahmad Reza Taheri to a group of Iranian research scholars, as well as, university lecturers, at the Department of Economics (a scientific meeting), University of Pune, on 06/01/2007.

متن کامل کنفرانس احمد رضا طاهری در حضور جمعی از استادان و دانشجویان ایرانی دوره دکترای تخصصی در دیپارتمان اقتصاد (جلسه علمی)، دانشگاه پونا... عنوان کنفرانس: مفهوم ایدئولوژی.   

The Debate on Ideology cannot be confined to few hours of discussion or few pages. It is a complex and comprehensive social institution. But, here I have decided and planned to summarize it as much as possible. Therefore, I have organized it in its easiest way possible so that may not go beyond twenty minutes time, as has been planned by the organizers of this scientific meeting.

So, let me start with the definition and concept. What is ideology?

In its simplest term, ideology is a set of ideas that an economic, social, or political system is based on. It is a set of beliefs, especially one held by a particular group that influences the way people behave.

Let’s mention some of its major examples, such as:  Fascism, Liberalism, Marxism, nationalism, etc. However, there is one more example, the one that has been a controversial point of debate among various social scientists. The one that may not be regarded as an ideology by many of us, and may be regarded as an ideology by some others. What we mean by that?  

Of course, may be some of you disagree with it… anyway that can be religion. One can also consider religion an ideology…! Now whether religion is an ideology or not, we are not concerned with it for time being, and shall come to it later on.

Going back to the point, a question may come as: when and why ideology becomes important?

Most of the social scientists hold that it was around 1780s in Europe particularly in France that ideology becomes important, and in India ideology becomes important in 1850s. The reason, as stated by many, is that: because prior to that people did not matter much in politics, and after that people mattered most in politics. In France, we had French revolution, e.g.

But, I believe the otherwise: Ideology has been important right from the beginning of the mankind as a social unit, because one can also consider religion an ideology --- the longest lived ideology… let’s take example of Islam. Islam has been sent by God to the human beings through Its messenger i.e. Mohammad. Now, why it can be regarded as an ideology then? Because, an ideology has almost the same characteristics and functions as those that hold by any religion, as under:

An ideology is a well-organized social institution that gives us values and promises.

An ideology claims that it has exclusive control over “truth” --- whatever it holds is true.

An ideology gives us final solution.  

Almost every ideology is very slow and resistance to change.

An ideology is a mobilizational force that pushes people into social as well as political units.

An ideology is like a filter through which one can see reality.

An ideology provides us with an overall prescription. It gives spirit and lightness to a group. It gives us a sense of direction, and a sense of identity, and finally gives meaning to the life…

 Thus, Islam regards for all these above-mentioned factors. It gives meaning and spirit to the Muslims’ lives, without which, life for Muslims can be meaningless.  

Here, comes another related question i.e. the difference between ideology and philosophy?

In common terms, we can simply conclude that philosophy studies ideology, its origin, development, and would philosophize ideology, but, ideology, as told before, is a filter to see reality and has the capability to mobilize the masses, and more importantly it justifies the claim to power, while philosophy lacks the power to mobilize the masses, etc.

Whether ideology is good or bad?

The direct answer is that any ideology consists of negative and positive aspects. In 1950s it was told that now the time has come that ideology has come to an end. In fact, a book published in the name of “End of Ideology,” known as “End of Ideology Thesis,” by… (sorry I have no presence of mind to name the author), however, as discussed by an Indian political scientist: Suhas Palshikar, one of my professors during my post-graduation period, the basic argument in the book is that in the modern developed states of the west --- western Europe and north America, the attraction of the extreme ideologies has come to an end, such as: fascism. Gradually, the attraction of extreme ideologies also will come to an end in the rest of the world. Thus, we don’t require ideology, because reality can be understood through social sciences, and so the author holds that the decline of ideology is a good thing. However, some critics have come up discussing it as follows:

Firstly, the ideology has not come to an end in the developed states of the west. We have capitalism, and after 9/11 we have Asian harassment.

Secondly, through social science one may understand reality methodically and scientifically, but social science lacks the power to mobilize the masses.

Thirdly, ideology ends only when modern politics ends.

Professor Palshikar continues: the author of this book says that ideology is important in the under-developed states of the world. But, it has been proved that ideology plays a vital role even in the developed societies. This book presupposes the victory of liberalism and sees liberalism as an ultimate ideology. This is also closely linked with the debate in the “End of History”, by a Japanese-American writer, who argues that no new idea can come up and if some thing comes up, it comes under the umbrella of liberalism.

Well, I have to finish it, because, we are running out of time, and as I was told, only five minutes is left. Therefore, I would like to come to the conclusion.

In order to recognize what can be regarded as an ideology, one must understand the concept of ideology, and then, one can place itself in a better position to judge, without emotions.

At the end, let’s have a brief look: Every ideology is political in nature. According to another Indian political scientist, Professor Vora, one of my professors at my post graduation course, “ideology gives you the sixth sense, without which one cannot understand politics. Political ideology gives you that eye that ordinary people may not have it. Equipped with this one can see behind the scene… any ideology have three major objectives:  

One: interpretation of history: whether it can be correct or incorrect is another debate.  

Second: critique of the present.

Third: view of the future – a political view of future one has for his society.

 For all that mentioned, one must have an organized set of ideas.

We need ideology, because we live with it and we die with it…Due to lack of time, I have to end my debate here… I would like to thanks each and every of you for your time and attention.

Ahmad Reza Taheri

06/01/2007

Note: This presentation is basically based on the class lectures given by Professor Vora and Professor Palshikar, during my post-graduation period (2004-2006), whom are two Indian political scientists. 

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