Abstract
M.A. (Political Studies)
Many works have been written on the subject of revolution,
and each author has set out, with a greater or lesser degree
of clarity what he means by the term "revolution". The
problem is that while there is basically a large measure
of underlying agreement amongst the authors, there is simultaneously
a large measure of diversity, so that the term
"revolution" still remains vague and insufficiently defined.
Consequently it was felt that it would be profitable to
analyse the meanings that a number of authors attached to
the concept, with the intention of determining to what
degree it is possible to synthesize a more precise meaning
for the concept "revolution" from the existing works on
the subject.
The procedure that was followed was to compare and analyse
the various definitions, descriptions, and expositions of
a number of authors, to supplement these with logical deductions,
and thus to arrive at a conclusion, on the basis of
the opinions of these authors, concerning the distinguishing
characteristics of revolution•
. By this means it was found that revolution can be defined
as radical change, accompanied by violence or threat of
violence, that occurs over a relatively short time-span.
Further definitional problems became apparent with regard
to each of these characteristics.
In respect of the characteristics of change, it was found
that content must be given to the further aspects of change:
its object, its radicality, and its extent...