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As for Agha and Malley, the fact that there is a contradiction between what they say in the NYRB (a “recommendation” for interim agreements) and what they say in Foreign Affairs (only a final agreement can bring about peace), may lead to the reasonable conclusion that the issue does not lie within those arguments themselves. They are being used for the sake of another aim, in which, once accurately understood, those “positions” will no longer be viewed as contradictory. Revealing contradictions in other people’s minds however, should not be used against him/her, but should serve as a warning sign that encourages the interpreter to find an appropriate perspective that can explain— though not eliminate—the contradiction.

17 Political science, in contrast, would attempt to reveal precisely such concealed information, or else it departs from being theory, and starts seeking to gain political control of the facts. Politics uses knowledge as a means, while political theory is knowledge about political practice and the instrumentality of political knowledge. A political theory that on its own becomes political and practical eventually becomes an ideological justification of politics. Involving itself in politics, it ceases to be a science.

Truth and efficiency are incompatible values. The ideals of political science and the ideals of politics are in permanent conflict. Whoever opts for efficiency must be ready to stretch the truth beyond its limits. 17 Political science, in contrast, would attempt to reveal precisely such concealed information, or else it departs from being theory, and starts seeking to gain political control of the facts. Politics uses knowledge as a means, while political theory is knowledge about political practice and the instrumentality of political knowledge.