Meaning and Nature of Political Science
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Questions and Answers

What does the term 'Politics' derive from?

  • Polity
  • Polis (correct)
  • Politico
  • Policy

Which thinker is regarded as the father of political science?

  • Aristotle (correct)
  • John Locke
  • R.N. Gilchrist
  • Karl Marx

How can the definitions of political science be categorized?

  • Classical/traditional and modern definitions (correct)
  • Formal and informal definitions
  • Descriptive and normative definitions
  • Theoretical and practical definitions

Which of the following is NOT a focus of the traditional view of political science?

<p>Analyzing political behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who first used the term 'political science'?

<p>Mary Wollstonecraft (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of political science?

<p>It is a social science focusing on society and governance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect do political theory and political philosophy share with political science?

<p>They are often used interchangeably. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Aristotle, what is the main focus of political science?

<p>State and government (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the modern view of political science expand its focus to include?

<p>Power dynamics, social relations, and political processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Max Weber, what is the essence of politics?

<p>The struggle for power and influencing others (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which view emphasizes that politics is shaped by economic relations?

<p>Marxian view (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the behavioral approach in political science?

<p>Human behavior in a political context (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the scientific approach in political science differ from the artistic approach?

<p>The scientific approach uses empirical data and systematic methods (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the post-behavioral approach?

<p>Placing high importance on values in political analysis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of political science involves making connections and providing reasons for observed patterns?

<p>Explanation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using generalizations in the study of political science?

<p>To derive rules from specific observations that are reliable and verifiable (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Political Science

The social science study of power, government, and the state, focusing on human interaction within the social environment, originating in ancient Greece.

Politics (as related to political science)

The process of making decisions and allocating resources within a society, often associated with the state or government. Not universally defined.

Classical/Traditional View of Political Science

A perspective emphasizing the study of the state, government, and related institutions as the primary focus of political science.

Modern View of Political Science

A more comprehensive approach to political science that may encompass broader aspects of social and political phenomena.

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Aristotle's view of Political Science

Aristotle believed political science began and ended with the study of the state.

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Definition of Politics

The study of the allocation of resources and the process of decision-making within a society.

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Greek word 'Polis'

'City-state', used as the foundation for the study of political science.

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Politics as "science of moral guide"

The idea that politics is fundamentally about leading society toward ethical excellence and addressing societal issues.

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Aristotle as "Father of Political Science"

Aristotle is considered a pivotal figure in the development of political thought and science and highly influential in the field.

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Political Science: Traditional View

Focuses primarily on the study of the state and government.

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Political Science: Modern View

Expands the scope to include power, social relations, and political processes.

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Lasswell & Kaplan's Definition

Political science is an inquiry into shaping and sharing power.

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Max Weber's Definition of Politics

Struggle for power or influencing masses for power.

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Power View of Politics

Politics is mainly about power and its distribution.

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Liberal View of Politics

Focuses on individual rights and liberties, with state mediation.

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Marxian View of Politics

Politics is shaped by economic relations; class struggle is central.

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Behavioral Approach to Politics

Focuses on human behavior in political contexts.

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Post-Behavioral Approach

Emphasizes political values in addition to behavior.

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Political Science as a Science: Observation

Gathering data using empirical methods, avoiding supernatural explanations.

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Political Science as a Science: Generalization

Deriving general rules from specific observations.

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Political Science as Science: Explanation

Providing reasons for observed patterns.

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Political Science as Science: Prediction/Prescription

Forecasting future outcomes; suggesting societal solutions.

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Political Science as Art

Practical application of knowledge – emphasizes moral values.

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Study Notes

Meaning, Definitions and Nature of Political Science

  • Political science is a social science, focusing on human behavior and social environment.
  • It originated in ancient Greece, where it was known as the "science of the city-state."
  • Political science aims to understand power dynamics, relationships within and between states, and governance.
  • There's no single definition, but various perspectives provide different understandings of politics.

Definitions of Politics

  • The study of power relations or the struggle for power, including its acquisition, distribution, and use.
  • The activity concerned with leadership, policy decisions, and management of state affairs.
  • Political activity involves making decisions affecting large groups of people.

Definitions of Political Science

  • Political Science is a branch of social science aiming to systematically understand and organize knowledge of political phenomena, using empirical data, analysis, theory, and explanations.
  • Definitions can be divided into classical or traditional viewpoints focusing on the state, and modern views encompassing broader elements of power and human behavior.
    • Classical views emphasize the state, institutions, and regulations, while modern views incorporate notions like social and individual power, competition, and conflicts.
  • There isn't one globally accepted definition; definitions differ across various theorists.

Nature of Political Science

  • Political science uses various methods, including observation, generalization, explanation, and prediction, to study political behaviour. It aims to understand and predict patterns, and make connections between phenomena.
  • Political science aims to analyze complex political interactions and create models and theories of politics.
  • It's not an exact science; absolute certainty about all political phenomena is not possible.
  • It's an interdisciplinary field drawing from areas such as history, sociology, economics, and psychology.

Distinguishing Politics as Science or Art

  • Political science seeks to establish general principles and explain existing situations.
  • It can be viewed as a science when aiming for objectivity, systematic observation, and hypothesis testing.
  • It can be considered an art when dealing with complex human behavior, political issues where no single approach has a definitive outcome, or when understanding and predicting political events is challenging.
  • Political science is both a science (scientifically structured methodology with empirical investigation) and an art (use of theoretical frameworks, interpretation of facts, and analysis of historical events).

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Description

Explore the essential definitions and nature of political science through this quiz. Understand the historical background, the study of power dynamics, and various perspectives on politics. This quiz will help you grasp the fundamental concepts and developments in the field.

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