What does it mean to 'do theory', or to be a theorist? This inaugural lecture by Professor Michael Saward reflects on how real-world political examples, and unexpected sources of ideas, can inspire theories. The example of political representation - a topic receiving a great deal of attention in both the theory and practice of politics today - is used to illustrate the often messy process of building, and knocking down, political theories. In particular, the lecture explores the issue of who has the right to speak for us in political matters.

This lecture took place on 4 July 2006 at the Berrill Lecture Theatre at The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK. A full-length version of this video is available at The Open University's Berrill Webcasts site: [ Ссылка ]

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