For whom is realism?

A critical analysis in relation to Robert Cox's claim that "theory is always for someone and some purpose"

Abstract

In this paper I examine the question for whom realist theories are. Theories allow us to explain and understand the world and give the possibility to guide humans through actions. In the paper I elaborate this problem first. I than provide the reader with a short overview of realist theory in general and of Hans J. Morgenthau’s approach especially. To understand a possible purpose of Morgenthau I examine the social and political context in which Morgenthau developed his ideas. The following chapter than elaborates the usage of Morgenthau’s concept by some members of the scientific community. I contrast it with Robert Cox’s and Gramsci’s claim of hegemony.