THE STUDY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Unit Structure

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Definitions of Political – Science

1.3 Nature of Political – Science

1.4 Scope of Political Science

1.5 Summary

1.0 OBJECTIVES

1) To understand the changing meaning, nature and scope of political – science as a social
Science

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The lesson would enable the student to know the Definitions and Meaning of Political science.
The Definitions would reflect the changing understanding of Politics. It is difficult to give a
single precise definition of Political Science. It varies from person to person depending upon the
importance he gives to various aspects of political life. The study of Political Science began with
the Greeks.

1.2 DEFINITIONS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Various definitions of Political Science given by the ancient, Medieval and modern political
scientists of this subject are as follows

1] Origin:-

The term `politics‟, is derived from the Greek word `Polis‟, which means the city state
According to Greek Philosophers, Politics was a subject which dealt with all the activities and
affairs of the city state. Their City States were known as `Polis‟. City state was an all-inclusive
term, as the ancient Greeks made no distinction between the state and the Government on one
hand, and State and Society on the other. They never differentiated between personal life and
social life. Hence according to them Politics was a total study of man, society, state, morality and
so on.
2] Politics as the study of the state:-

Traditionally Political science is a science of state. Political thinkers like R.G. Gettel, J.W.
Garner, Bluntschli and many others were of the view that Political Science was the study of the
state.

R.G. Getlel defined “Political Science as a study of state in the past, present and future and of
Political institutions and Political theories”.

J.W.Garner States, “Political Science begins and ends with the state”

3] Politics as the study of the Government:-

Some Political Scientists like Paul Janet, George Catlin, Hans Eulan have accepted the view
which states that politics deals with the state and government. Paul Janet writes “Political
Science is concerned with the foundations of the state and principles of government. George

Catlin states “Politics means either the activities of political life or the study of these activities.
And these activities are generally treated as activities of the various organs of government.”

Prof Hans Eulan considers in his definition of politics that the study of formal government is a
fundamental concern of politics. The

Oxford English Dictionary defines Political Science as “the study of the state and systems of
government.”

4] Politics as the study of national Institution:-

Bridal expressed the view that “Political Science is, above all, descriptive study which brings
together the description of national political institutions, their history, their ideological
principles, their working, the forces that direct them, the influence they undergo, the results they
obtain and their effect on the life of the country and its relations with neighboring states “.

Traditional Approach:-

The concept of Political Science as a study of State, Government and national Institution is not
considered adequate today. This aspect of above definitions emphasizes the legal structure only.
They do not pay attention to what is happening within the State. Political Science must include
the study of informal structures, facts and reality of Politics. Hence,modern Political thinkers
defined Political Science differently and taken modern approach.

5] Political Science as a Study of Power:-

Modern Political thinkers like Lasswell, Robert Dahl have defined politics in terms of power,
influence, and authority. According to these thinkers Power has acquired prominent position in
political thought.
Harold Lasswell considers, “Politics is the study of shaping and sharing Political powers”

Robert A. Dahl defined that, “A Political system is any persistent pattern of human relationship
that involves, to a significant extent power, rule or authority.”

According to the view of these thinkers entire political activity directed towards capturing and
maintaining power/ “Power” is the central idea in Politics – who get, what when and How”.

6] Political Science as a study of Conflict Resolution:-

This view was suggested by Miller in his `Nature of Politics‟. The purpose of a political activity
is either to bring about a change or resist a change. People compete with each other to satisfy
their needs. When resources are limited and the people who want to utilize them are many
conflicts arise. Politics is a means to resolve this conflict.

According to Peter B. Haris “The Modern emphasis in the study of Politics is laid on
disagreements and reconciliation or resolution of these disagreements.

7] Political Science as a Study of Co - relation of many Forces Encyclopedia of Social

Sciences States:

“Present day political science revolves around the problem of the attainment, consolidation and
distribution of political power whether in an actually existing state or a hypothetical state”.

Political Institution and politics cannot function in vacuum. Social and economic forces affect
the political process. Hence they also must be taken into account.

Analysis and Conclusion:-

The several definitions of the term Political Science reflect the changing understanding of the
discipline. From above definitions we may say that there are mainly two approaches of looking
at Political-Science 1) Traditional approach 2) Modern approach. The Traditional Approach
suggests that Political-Science is the study of State, Government and National Institutions. It
studies the formal, legal structures and theoretical part. The Modern Approach emphasizes
“What is actually happening in the state”. It stressed on reality and actual facts of politics. Thus
it studies various forces, processes and informal structures making it dynamic.

However, it can be said that political - Science is a systematic study of the State, Government,
Political institutions, Power, influence and authority, Political processes and Political forces.
1.3 NATURE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political – Science is a social science. Its nature is different than physical sciences like physics
and chemistry. Whenever we study the origin, evolution and development of Political Science;
we find various aspects of the nature of Political Science. The definitions and meaning of
Political Science shows that it is a systematic study of Political theory, Political Institutions,
Political forces and processes. When we call Politics as `Political Science‟, we have to see how
far this subject stands to the tests of science in the strict sense of the term. In this unit we discuss
the nature of Political –Science as a social science.

1] Is it a Science ?

Very often a question is raised whether the discipline of Politics can be regarded as a science?
There is no unanimity among Political thinkers whether the subject is a Science.

What is a Science?

“Science is a systematic body of knowledge, the facts of which have been accurately and
impartially collected, arranged and classified through the use of various scientific methods of
observation, comparison and experimentation”.

Various arguments are forwarded for and against the discipline being a science.

ARGUMENTS THAT IT IS NOT A SCIENCE:-

Political Scientists like Maitland, Burke, Gettel do not think that Politics is really a Science.
Their arguments are as follows :-

1] Disagreement in Definition, Terminology and Methods :-

There is no general agreement among Political thinkers regarding definition, scope, terminology
etc. There is no exactness or precision in the political science, as a result, they cannot be
accepted and applied universally. This does not happen in case of natural sciences like physics
and chemistry.

2] Lack of Precision :-

Principles of Political Science are not precise, clear and they lead to many controversies. Where -
as a formula in physics or chemistry is clear and universally accepted. For example, The laws of
gravity or the principles of arithmetic i.e. Two plus two equals four everywhere. However
Political Science like pure and natural sciences such as physics and Mathematics does not
possess any such universally relevant principles.
3] Human Beings :-

Politics deals with human beings whose minds are unpredictable. Political scientists have to deal
with man (human beings) who are not under their control. Human behavior is unpredictable and
not always logical. Whereas physics and chemistry deal with matter or inanimate objects (non-
living objects).

Natural scientist work in laboratories and the objects are perfectly under their control. Hence
their rules and laws are absolute, and universal.

4] Limited Experimentation :-

Experimentation in laboratory or in an isolated environment is not possible in Politics like

natural sciences.

5] Lack of Objectivity :-

Political Science lacks objectivity but subjective element is very strong. Political-science is
subjective and relative because political scientist has to deal with human beings in relation to
society, State, Government etc.

6] Difficult to Predict Future :-

Political phenomena do not follow proper sequence like exact science. At times, the effects are
contrary and therefore the results cannot be predicted.

In spite of the above arguments, the subject is regarded as a science because:-

Arguments that it is a Science:-

1] Political Science is not a pure science but a social Science –Politics is a systematized body of
knowledge. Its facts are collected and organized through proper observation, comparison and
experimentation, etc. i.e. Studies on election. Science is a systematic and formulated knowledge
of a specified subject. In that sense Political Science is certainly a science.

2] Political Experiments are not completely ruled out. The government itself is a continuous
experiment. The application of Marxist principles in the USSR was one such experiment.

3] Broad Conclusions can be drawn in Political Science i.e. Independent impartial judiciary, free
press is essential for democracy.

4] Empirical studies are based on careful observation and classification:- Policial Science puts
hypothesis to empirical verification. Theories are not built on speculation. Political Scientists
today employ survey methods, graphs, charts etc. to arrive at their research conclusions.

Thus political science is not a pure science, but a social science.

2] Is Politics an Art?

The term `Art‟ refers to the practical application of knowledge. Political Science applies the
knowledge about political events for creating a good social and political order. Hence it is an art.

Robert Dhal States that “Political Science is both – Science and Art. Whenever students of
Political Science test their theories against the data of experience by observation, the political
analysis can be regarded as scientific. When this political analysis is applied for the working of
political institution it is an art”.

3] Politics or Political Science? :-

What should the subject be called Politics or Political Science?

Aristotle called his studies in Political Phenomena as `Politics‟. Prof Laskis work was named as
a “Grammer of Politics”. However, most of the modern writers prefer the subject to be called as
`Political Science‟ and not as Politics. Because Political Science is a systematic study of Political
theory, political institutions, political forces and processes. The term `Politics‟ indicates the
current political problems or issues. Many times common people use the term of Politics as a
dubious, messy, rotten affairs. `Politics‟ is a wide spread and universal activity and that is
analysis in political -science. Study of politics is a part of the study of political Science. Politics
is an activity and that what it analyses as a political science is only a part of it. The term
`Politics‟ is not precise to give us whole range of knowledge pertaining to state and other
political institutions. There is distinction between a politician and political scientist. A politician
is a person who actively participates in the political affairs. Whereas a political scientist is an
expert in the subject. He studies the subject systematically. Hence it is preferable the subject be
called a `Political Science and not Politics.
1.4 THE SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

The scope of Political-Science means the subject matter or content of Political Science. Various
Political thinkers are not in agreement about the exact scope of politics. The lack of precise
definition and terminology has created confusion regarding the subject matter of Political
Science. Despite the ambiguity and controversy in the field various aspects included in the study
of political science are as follows:-

A conference of political thinkers held in Sept 1948 at the UNESCO House decided the scope of
Political Science.

1.4. 1] Political Science is the study of Political theories:-

Over the centuries, Political scientists have concerned themselves with formulating political
theories and political ideas. e.g., Plato explained theory of Ideal State, Theory of justice, Hobbes,
Locke, Rousseau explained theory of origin of state. These theories enable us to organize their
observations and offer a foundation on which future observations and analysis can be based.

1.4 2] Political Institutions:-

Study of Political Science includes the study of various constitutions, various systems of
government their merits, demerits etc. i.e. whether it is parliamentary, presidential, dictatorial,
democratic or coalition form of government. Such a study helps us to reform out political
institutions in order to realize our goals.

1.4 3] Political Parties and Pressure Groups :-

It studies the various systems of political parties, their role and importance. Pressure groups and
interest groups are becoming more important. Political science studies their role, methods etc. in
a given political system. This makes the study of Political - Science more realistic. Opposition
political parties, pressure groups Non-Governmental organizations (NGOS) do not directly form
the government. They indirectly influence governmental policies and decisions. Hence the study
of governance (act of governing) is incomplete if it is limited to the study of government.

1.4 4] International Relations :-

It includes the study of international organization, and policies. States do not live in isolation.
Domestic Policy and foreign Policy are interrelated. Hence the study of international relations
becomes significant more in the times of globalization.

1.4 5] Political Science is the study of the relationship between government and civil
society:-

The state is comprised of two entities: government and civil society. Both entities influence
governance in different ways. Civil society includes citizens, Nongovernmental Organization
(NGOS), pressure groups, opposition Political parties. Civil society influence governance
indirectly, by influencing the government and convincing it to adopt certain policies. Whereas
the government possesses the power and authority to influence governance directly. Hence the
relationship between government and civil society is an important determinant of governance in
the state. Political Science Studies this relationship in order to better understand the nature of the
state and the efficacy of governance.

1.4 6] It is the study of Power, Authority, Influences, Political activities, Political Processes:-

Political Science is normative as well as empirical. Normative approach of Political Science

studies norms, ideals, morals, principles, philosophy of Political Science i.e. What should be the
nature of the state etc. Empirical approach of political Science observes and analyses political
activities and institutions as they are in a scientific way.

Conclusion:

Morgenthau said scope of Political-Science includes three branches; a) Political Sociology b)

Political theory c) Political Institutions. Modern political Scientists feel that man’s social life is
an integrated whole. Any change in man’s social environment has repercussions on man’s
political life. The modern state cannot escape from that impact of the social, psychological,
economic and cultural forces. According to Leacock PoliticalScience must not content itself with
a mere analysis of Political institutions as existing at any given time, it must take account of the
process of change and evolution, and the alteration of social and intellectual environment.”

Aristotle called political science the “Master Science‟ because Politics determines the
environment within which every person will organize his life. No one can claim that he has
nothing to do with Politics. No one can escape from the parameters set by politics. The ancient
Greeks never made any distinction between man’s personal life and political life. According to
them Politics is the total study of man, Society, State, Morality etc.