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?

Analyzing political behavior Signup and view all the answers

Who first used the term 'political science'?

Mary Wollstonecraft Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the nature of political science?

It is a social science focusing on society and governance. Signup and view all the answers

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

They are often used interchangeably. Signup and view all the answers

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

State and government Signup and view all the answers

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

Power dynamics, social relations, and political processes Signup and view all the answers

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

The struggle for power and influencing others Signup and view all the answers

Which view emphasizes that politics is shaped by economic relations?

Marxian view Signup and view all the answers

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

Human behavior in a political context Signup and view all the answers

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

The scientific approach uses empirical data and systematic methods Signup and view all the answers

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

Placing high importance on values in political analysis Signup and view all the answers

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

Explanation Signup and view all the answers

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

To derive rules from specific observations that are reliable and verifiable Signup and view all the answers

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.