Scholars on Political Theory Decline

The question asks to identify scholars who referred to the 'decline' of political theory. We need to evaluate the scholars mentioned in the options.

Analysis of Scholars

• David Easton: Known for his work on the 'crisis' or perceived 'decline' in political theory, particularly highlighting the shift towards empirical and behavioral approaches at the expense of normative and philosophical concerns.
• Alfred Cobban: Also engaged with debates concerning the state and direction of political theory, contributing to discussions about its perceived decline or transformation.
• Robert Dahl: While Dahl discussed a "puzzling crisis" in political science related to the behavioral movement, his focus differed slightly from the general 'decline of political theory' discourse.
• Peter Laslett: Primarily known for work in intellectual history, not directly associated with the decline of political theory discourse.
• Will Durant: A historian and philosopher whose major works, like 'The Story of Civilization', do not focus on the decline of political theory as an academic discipline.
• Nathaniel Hawthorne: A novelist whose literary works are unrelated to the academic discussion on political theory.

Conclusion on Decline of Political Theory

Based on scholarly contributions and focus areas, David Easton and Alfred Cobban (Option a) are the most relevant figures associated with the discourse on the 'decline' of political theory.

Therefore, only the scholars mentioned in option (a) are recognized for referring to the 'decline' of political theory.