Political Science 101: Introduction

What is Politics?

• Derived from the Greek word "polis", meaning city-state, which is the center of economic, social, and political activities
• Definition of politics: The art of governing people and state
• Aristotle defined politics as the most authoritative and master art that guides leaders on how to organize, manage, and govern society and state
• Every decision made in politics affects the life of citizens in a small or large scale

Al-Ghazali and Al-Mawardi

• Imam who occupies the leadership position in politics is responsible for upholding the religion of Islam and managing the affairs of the world
• Imamah has to play the prophetic function to establish religion and manage affairs of society

What is Political Science?

• Scientific study of politics that addresses empirical (factual) and normative (ethical) questions about politics
• Before 1920s, political science was known as the study of politics based on analysis of law and constitution of the state
• After 1920s, traditional approach was no longer relevant, and a behavioral phase began, focusing on quantitative data and scientific methods

Objectives of Behavioralism

• Produce scientific knowledge based on data, evidence, fact, and figures
• Use scientific methods to study politics

Behavioralism Definition of Politics

• Politics involves a set of human interactions in a given society
• Human interactions are based on how the state uses its authority and power to allocate what society needs
• David Easton and Harold Lasswell defined politics as deciding who gets what, when, and how

Traditional vs. Behavioral Approach

• Traditional approach: Studying politics through ethics, philosophy, law, and history (qualitative approach)
• Behavioral approach: Empirical study of politics using quantitative data and methods

Specialization of Political Science

• International Relations: Study of relations between and among states and international political affairs
• Themes: Foreign policy, diplomacy, international organization, war and conflict, international law, and terrorism

Subfields of Political Science

• Political Theory: The theory of politics, dealing with how certain ideas influence society
• Empirical Political Theory: Studies real political events and finds correlation between causes and impact
• Formal Political Theory: Strategic decision-making using concepts such as zero-sum games
• Normative Political Theory: Justification of political standpoints and policies based on normative values and philosophical explanation
• Public Administration: Study of management and administration of public offices
• Comparative Politics: Comparison of two or more political objects to find similarities and differences
• Relationship of Social Science and Political Science: Interdisciplinary approaches with philosophy, history, economics, sociology, psychology, and law