This paper is a Farsi translation of the first chapter of the second edition of “Theory and Methods in Political Science” edited by David Marsh and Gerry Stoker. This chapter was not included in the first edition of the book previously translated by Haj Yoosefi. The new edition has major differences with the previous one and the other chapters in the book are written on the basis of the approach explained in this introductory chapter. According to the writers, despite what may seem on the first sight, ontological and epistemological foundations have a basic role in political researches. Thus, without clarifying his/her position in this regard, a researcher cannot embark on a serious research. As a result, the writers present a three fold classification of these foundations and try to explain their differences by bringing sufficient examples. At the end, they show the importance of these foundations in research through studying globalization and multilayered governance. This chapter is translated because of its importance for political science researchers and lack of such issues in the realm of methodological studies in political science.
)