Understanding Political Science: Introductory Session

Understanding Political Science

• The aim of political science is to understand and explain the phenomena of power, authoritative allocation of values, and the exercise of power.

Axiological Neutrality

• Axiological neutrality in social sciences refers to the goal of separating facts from values, attempting to avoid influencing research outcomes with personal values and biases.

Branches of Political Science

• International Relations (IR) is a branch of political science that focuses on power relations between states, examining the interactions and relationships between nations.

Distinctiveness of Political Science

• Political science has been resistant to mathematization, compared to other disciplines, relying more on qualitative methods and case studies.

Gender and Political Science

• Gender has been instrumental in challenging traditional notions of power and politics within political science, leading to a more inclusive understanding of political phenomena.

Dimensions of the Term 'Political'

• The term 'political' has three dimensions: a narrow definition focusing on the state and its institutions, a broader definition encompassing power relations in all social contexts, and an even broader definition encompassing all aspects of human life.

Essentialist Understanding of 'Political'

• The essentialist understanding of the term 'political' views it as an inherent and fixed concept, tied to the state and its institutions.

Etymology of 'Politique'

• The term 'politique' originates from the Aristotelian understanding of politics as the art of governing the city-state.

Evolution of the Concept 'Political'

• The concept of 'political' changes over time, expanding to encompass wider aspects of human life, and shifting from a narrow focus on the state to a broader understanding of power relations.

Pragmatic Understanding of 'Political'

• The pragmatic understanding of the term 'political' relies on the notion that power and authority are not fixed or essential, but rather are shaped by historical and social contexts.

Explore the fundamental concepts of political science, including the multifaceted nature of politics, the evolving definition of the political, and the dynamics of power. This session delves into the essentialist understanding of politics and the relationship between governors and the governed.