Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a natural science?
Which of the following is NOT a natural science?
What is the meaning of the Latin word 'scientia'?
What is the meaning of the Latin word 'scientia'?
Which of the following is a characteristic of natural sciences?
Which of the following is a characteristic of natural sciences?
What is the main focus of the study of economics?
What is the main focus of the study of economics?
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What is the main distinction between natural and social sciences?
What is the main distinction between natural and social sciences?
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Which of the following is an example of a field within the natural sciences?
Which of the following is an example of a field within the natural sciences?
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Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between social sciences and natural sciences?
Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between social sciences and natural sciences?
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What does it imply if two students conducting the same physics experiment obtain different values for physical properties?
What does it imply if two students conducting the same physics experiment obtain different values for physical properties?
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Why is measuring happiness in social sciences considered problematic?
Why is measuring happiness in social sciences considered problematic?
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What is the primary focus of social theory today?
What is the primary focus of social theory today?
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What must be defined before comparing capitalism and socialism in terms of supporting human freedom?
What must be defined before comparing capitalism and socialism in terms of supporting human freedom?
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What limitation does a chronometer have when comparing two sprinters?
What limitation does a chronometer have when comparing two sprinters?
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Study Notes
January 9 Class Notes
- Dr. Caman taught a class on understanding politics.
Chapter 1 - Understanding Politics
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Social Science: Examines the differences between social science and natural science.
- Explores how knowledge is gained in social sciences.
- Defines the concept of politics.
- Discusses the importance of political terminology.
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Power: Central concept in politics.
- Explores the distribution of power and why conflicts happen.
- Examines authority and legitimacy.
- Delves into the common good in a political context.
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Types of Analysis: Explains how political science approaches the study of politics.
- Discusses the broad definition of political science.
- Presents questions and areas for discussion.
Science, Social Science & Political Science
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Science: Derived from the Latin word "scientia," meaning knowledge.
- Organized and systematic body of knowledge in various areas.
- Relies on the scientific method.
- Divided into natural sciences and social sciences.
Natural Sciences
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Natural Science: The study of naturally occurring phenomena, such as light, objects, matter, earth, or the human body.
- Further categorized into:
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Physical Sciences:
- Physics (the science of physical objects).
- Chemistry (the science of matter).
- Astronomy (the science of objects in space).
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Earth Sciences:
- Geology (the science of the earth).
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Life Sciences:
- Biology (the science of living organisms).
- Botany (the science of plants).
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Physical Sciences:
- Further categorized into:
Social Science
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Social Science: The study of people or collections of people.
- Examines groups, firms, societies, and economies.
- Focuses on individual and collective behaviors.
Social Science Disciplines
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Social Sciences: Disciplines that study people and human societies.
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Political Science: Study of human behavior, societal groups, and economics
- Includes psychology (human behavior), sociology(social groups), and economics(firms, markets, economies).
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Political Science: Study of human behavior, societal groups, and economics
Natural Sciences & Social Sciences
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Differences:
- Natural Sciences are precise, accurate, and deterministic, relying on consistent observation.
- Social Sciences are less accurate due the nature of their subjects (people), often less deterministic, and variable in conclusions.
- Measurement Error: A high degree of measurement error exists in social sciences.
Theory - Philosophy - Belief
- Social Theory: Deals with "what is" rather than "what should be."
- Capitalism vs. Socialism: Social theory explores whether one system is superior to the other, particularly concerning human freedom.
- Comparison Criteria: Agreement is necessary on criteria for comparison (e.g., speed in a race).
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Description
This quiz covers key concepts from Chapter 1 on Understanding Politics. It delves into the distinctions between social science and natural science, the definition of politics, the concept of power, and different types of analysis in political science. Join us in assessing your knowledge and insights on these foundational topics!
