INTRODUCTION

TO POLITICAL
SCIENCE
252PS12
Politics

 The great Greek political philosopher, Aristotle (384 – 322

B.C.) was the first thinker to use the term ‘politics’.
 The term “Politics” is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’
which means city – state.
 Politics is a multidisciplinary field of study that examines the
theory, practice, and dynamics of power, governance, and
public affairs. It encompasses the study of political systems,
institutions, processes, ideologies, and behavior. Political
scientists and scholars analyze political phenomena at
various levels, from the local to the global, and employ a
range of methods including empirical research, comparative
analysis, and theoretical frameworks.
Politics

 The origins of political thought and inquiry can be traced back

to ancient civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece,
and Rome, where early thinkers and philosophers
contemplated the nature of power, governance, and the
organization of societies. They explored questions about the
best forms of government, the nature of justice, and the roles
of individuals within political systems.
 Among the notable thinkers who made significant contributions
to political thought are figures like Plato, Aristotle, Confucius,
Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and many others. These
thinkers and philosophers shaped the development of political
theory, examining various aspects of politics and governance.
ARISTOTLE
 DEFINITIONS

 Political Science is the study of the state.

 According to Garner Political science begins and ends with the state.
 According to R.N. Gilchrist, political science deals with general
problems of the state and government.
 Political science is an academic discipline that systematically studies
politics and government. It examines the theory, practice, and dynamics
of political systems, institutions, processes, behavior, and policies.
Political science employs various methods, including empirical research,
comparative analysis, statistical analysis, and theoretical frameworks, to
understand and explain political phenomena.
Scope of political science :

 The term ‘scope’ refers to the subject matter or

the boundaries of political science.
 The international Political Science Association at
its Paris conference in 1984 discussed, the scope
of the subject political science and marked out the
subject matter as follows :
 Political Theory :
1. Political theory
2. Political ideas
 Political Institutions :
1. Constitution
2. Judiciary
3. Office of the President
4. National Assembly
5. National government
6. Regional and local government.
7. Public administration.
8. Economic and social functions of government.
 III. Political Parties :
 1. Political parties.
 2. Groups and associations
 3. Participation of the citizen in the government and
 administration.
 4. Public opinion.
 IV. International Relations :
 1. International policies.
 2. International organization and administration
 3. International law.
Political science

 Broadly speaking, political science may be divided into three

parts:
 1) Political science concerning the state.
 2)Political science with reference to human rights.
 3)Political science in relation to government.
 1. Political Science Concerning to the state

Political science concerning to the state

Historical form of Present form of Ideal form of

the state the state the state
 The present form of the state is the result of its
historical development.
 Political science makes a historical analysis of the
origin of the state and the theories of the state.
 In political science, we study the present form of
the state (Aim/ objectives).
 This aspect of the study of political science has
been termed by Gettell as the analytical study of
the state.
 The study of political science has to predict the
future of the state. (that is how it should to be).
2.Political science with reference to human rights:

 The citizens have their civil, political and economic rights.

 These rights have to be preserved and protected by the State
for the welfare of its citizens.
 This centers around the study of human rights and their
relationship with politics. It involves examining the protection,
promotion, and violation of human rights by state and non-
state actors. Topics within this scope include the theoretical
foundations of human rights, international human rights law,
human rights advocacy and activism, the role of governments
in human rights protection, and the impact of political systems
and policies on the enjoyment of human rights.
3. Political science in relation to government :

 Stephen Leacock said that, political science deals with government. A

state cannot exist without government.
 Government is the working agency of the state. The various organs of
government, political parties, local self - government, judiciaries are
covered by the political science.
 This focuses on the study of government structures, functions, and
processes. It includes analyzing different forms of government, such as
democracy, autocracy, and various hybrid models. Topics within this scope
encompass the study of government institutions (executive, legislative, and
judicial branches), decision-making processes, policy formulation and
implementation, public administration, public policy analysis, and the role
of government in society and the economy. Understanding the functioning
and impact of government within political systems is central to this part of
political science.
POLITICAL SCIENCE AS ART OR SCIENCE:

 Aristotle, the father of political science considered

political Science as the master of all sciences.
 Science means a body of systematized knowledge
arranged on certain principles.
 Art is a systematic knowledge to the solution of
problems of human life.
 Physical Sciences- Physics, Chemistry, Etc.
 Ex: Law of Gravity, H2O- Water. Answer is precise, perfect and
exact in all times.
 But in Social Sciences such as Political science, History,
Economics, Sociology result will not be precise, perfect, exact in all
time due to changes in social and political relationship.
POLITICAL SCIENCE AS AN
ART

 Some argue that political science involves subjective

interpretation and analysis of political phenomena. It requires
understanding complex human behavior, motivations, and
ideologies, which are inherently subjective and difficult to quantify.
 Political science often involves making normative judgments about
political systems, policies, and values. It explores questions of
justice, ethics, and the proper role of government, which are
subjective and open to interpretation.
 Political scientists may apply creative and intuitive thinking to
analyze political issues, develop theories, and propose solutions.
They may draw on historical analogies, literary references, and
imaginative insights to understand and explain political
phenomena.
Political Science as a Science

 Political science employs scientific methods to observe, analyze, and

explain political phenomena. It collects data, conducts systematic
research, and tests hypotheses to arrive at empirical conclusions.
 Political science seeks to establish general principles, theories, and
laws that explain political behavior and processes. It aims to identify
patterns, causal relationships, and regularities in political
phenomena.
 Political science strives for objectivity in its research, employing
rigorous methods, transparency, and peer review. It aims to produce
knowledge that is replicable and verifiable by others.
 Political science often employs quantitative methods, such as
statistical analysis, to examine large-scale data sets and draw
conclusions based on numerical evidence.
 Two faces of political science

 Two faces of political science refer to two distinct approaches or perspectives

within the field. These perspectives highlight different aspects of political science
and offer contrasting viewpoints on how the discipline should be studied and
understood.
 Descriptive Face:
 This face of political science focuses on describing, analyzing, and understanding
political phenomena as they exist in reality. It emphasizes empirical observation,
objective analysis, and the study of political systems, institutions, behavior, and
policies.
 Normative Face:
 The normative/prescriptive face of political science focuses on the normative
aspects of politics, including values, ethics, and ideals. It emphasizes the study
of political philosophy, political theory, and moral principles to assess and
prescribe how politics should be.