Die wesenskenmerke van rewolusie

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..