Understanding Politics - Class Notes

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT a natural science?

  • Political Science (correct)
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

What is the meaning of the Latin word 'scientia'?

  • Observation
  • Experiment
  • Knowledge (correct)
  • Theory

Which of the following is a characteristic of natural sciences?

  • Imprecision and uncertainty
  • High dependence on observer
  • Subjective interpretations
  • High accuracy and determinism (correct)

What is the main focus of the study of economics?

<p>The study of firms, markets, and economies (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction between natural and social sciences?

<p>Natural sciences are highly deterministic, while social sciences are more interpretive. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a field within the natural sciences?

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

Which of the following statements accurately reflects the relationship between social sciences and natural sciences?

<p>Social sciences and natural sciences are intertwined, with social phenomena often influenced by natural factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it imply if two students conducting the same physics experiment obtain different values for physical properties?

<p>One or both students likely made an error. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is measuring happiness in social sciences considered problematic?

<p>Happiness varies significantly over time and context. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of social theory today?

<p>To explore what is rather than what should be. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must be defined before comparing capitalism and socialism in terms of supporting human freedom?

<p>The concept of freedom itself. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitation does a chronometer have when comparing two sprinters?

<p>It measures only speed, not overall ability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Measurement Errors in Science

When conducting the same experiment, if two students obtain different results, it usually means an error occurred in one or both of their measurements.

Measurement Error in Social Sciences

Social sciences, unlike natural sciences, often deal with concepts that are difficult to measure objectively. This leads to greater measurement error.

Social Theory: Description vs. Prescription

Social theories are primarily concerned with describing and explaining the world as it is, rather than prescribing what it should be.

Social Theory Evolution

Historically, social theory was intertwined with philosophy and beliefs. Today, it is more focused on empirical observation and analysis.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Science and Value Judgments

Science can't directly determine whether capitalism is better than socialism because value judgments are subjective. However, it can compare their effects on specific factors like human freedom.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Natural Science

A branch of science that studies naturally occurring objects or phenomena, such as light, objects, matter, earth, or the human body. It can be further categorized into physical sciences, earth sciences, and life sciences.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Social Science

A branch of science that focuses on people or groups of people, exploring their behaviors, interactions, and societal structures. It includes disciplines like political science, psychology, sociology, and economics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Political Science

A specific area of social science that examines political systems, power structures, and governance. It investigates how decisions are made, how power is exercised, and how individuals and groups interact within a political context.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Power

The ability to influence or control others, often through resources, force, or authority. It is a central concept in political science, as it shapes relationships and outcomes within societies.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Authority

The legitimate right to exercise power or make decisions. It is often associated with institutions, laws, or traditions that grant individuals or groups the authority to govern.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Legitimacy

The acceptance of power as legitimate and rightful. It is based on the belief that those in power have the right to rule and individuals have an obligation to obey.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Common Good

The collective well-being or benefit of the entire society. It is a central concept in politics as it guides political decisions and policies that aim to improve the lives of all citizens.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Science

A systematic and organized body of knowledge acquired through the scientific method. It involves observation, experimentation, analysis, and the development of theories to explain and predict phenomena.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

January 9 Class Notes

  • Dr. Caman taught a class on understanding politics.

Chapter 1 - Understanding Politics

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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

  • Natural Science: The study of naturally occurring phenomena, such as light, objects, matter, earth, or the human body.
    • Further categorized into:
      • Physical Sciences:
        • Physics (the science of physical objects).
        • Chemistry (the science of matter).
        • Astronomy (the science of objects in space).
      • Earth Sciences:
        • Geology (the science of the earth).
      • Life Sciences:
        • Biology (the science of living organisms).
        • Botany (the science of plants).

Social Science

  • 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

  • Social Sciences: Disciplines that study people and human societies.
    • Political Science: Study of human behavior, societal groups, and economics
      • Includes psychology (human behavior), sociology(social groups), and economics(firms, markets, economies).

Natural Sciences & Social Sciences

  • 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).

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

January 9 Class: Introduction to Social Sciences

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Open
Browser
Browser