Political Science Past Paper PDF

# MEANING, DEFINITIONS AND NATURE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE: ## Synopsis: 1. Introduction. 2. Meaning and definitions of politics and political science. 3. Definitions of political science. 4. Modern view/definitions - classical or traditional view. 5. Nature of political science. 6. Meaning of Science...

# MEANING, DEFINITIONS AND NATURE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE: ## Synopsis: 1. Introduction. 2. Meaning and definitions of politics and political science. 3. Definitions of political science. 4. Modern view/definitions - classical or traditional view. 5. Nature of political science. 6. Meaning of Science. 7. Distinguishing whether politics is an art or Science. 8. Conclusions. ## 2. Introduction: - Political science is a social science. - It revolves around man and his social environment. - Political science first began with the Greeks. In Greece, political science was treated as “The science of the city state." - The term "Politics" is derived from "Polis" which in Greek language means the 'city state'. - Politics as the science of the city state emerged as an instrument for sure as a moral guide to the curling section of the society for the realization of good life in all its aspects and to adjust mutual relationship within society. - Aristotle is regarded as the father ## 2. Meaning and definitions of politics and political science: - There exists no universally accepted definition of politics. - The word politics might have different interpretations. - Eminent thinkers often used the term 'Politics' instead of Political science. - Where as writers prefer the term Political Science. - The term political science was first used by Godwin, Mary Wallstone craft, vico and Hume. - Sir Fredik Porock said “There is science of politics in the same sense as there science of morals. - Politics, political science, political theory and political philosophy are often interchangeable. They all represent the study of state. ## 3. Definitions of political science: - There is no precise and universally accepted definition of political science. - Even though eminent writers/authors have written books, they do not hold any clear cut views. - Therefore, the definitions of political science can be divided into 2 types: - Classical or traditional definitions. - Modern definitions. ## 4. Classical or Traditional View: - According to traditional view/theoretical scientist, politics deals mainly with the study of state or government or related institutions. - Here are some examples: - **Aristotle** - Political science begins and ends with state. - **R.N. Gilchrist** - Political science deals with the state and government. - **R.G. Getter** - It is historical investigation of what the state has been, an analytical study of what the state is and a political ethical discussion of what the state should be. - In a nutshell, according to traditional views, the main aim/study subject of the study of political science is state & government. ## 5. Modern view/definitions: - Traditional view is primarily concerned with the study of state and government where as in modern view, the scope of political science has expanded to include the study of power, social relations and political process. ## Definitions: - **Harold D. Lasswells & Abraham Kaplan** - Political science is an empirical inquiry into the duty of shaping and sharing power. - **Max Weber** - Politics is the struggle for power or influencing masses for power. - **Rone** - Political activity is the activity which is resolved and transmuted into policy. ## 6. Main views of politics: - **Power view** - Politics is primarily about power and its distribution. - **Liberal viev** - Politics focuses on individual rights and liberties, with the state acting as a mediator between competing interests. - **Marxian View** - Politics is shaped by economic relations, with class struggle being the central conflict. - **Behavioral Approach** - Emphasizes understanding human behaviour in political context rather than just focusing on political institutions, whereas **post-behavioral approach emphasizes values.** ## 6. Nature of political science: - Political science employs scientific approach involving: - **Observation** - Gathering empirical data through visual experience, excluding supernatural or metaphysical explanations. - **Generalizations** - Deriving general rules from specific observations, using inductive or deductive reasoning. These rules should be aquanitable, fiable, and verifiable. - **Explanation** - Providing reasons for observed patterns, making connections & meaning full. - **Prediction/Prescription** - Using knowledge to forecast future outcomes and suggest solutions for societal approached problems. ## 7. Distinguish between PS as art & PS as science. | **PS as Science** | **PS as art** | |---|---| | **Science:** Systematic way of gathering and organizing knowledge. | **Art:** Practical application of knowledge. | | Studied in a systematic way. | Doesn't only have practical significance but also has moral value. | | Experiments are possible. | No information as human nature & reactions change is an uncontrolled factor. | | Contains predictions & possibilities. | Can change according to situation. | ## 8. Conclusions: - Political science is not exact science like physics but still can be studied systematically and scientifically. - It deals with social phenomena which can be studied through various methods. - Hence absolute certainty about social concerns is not possible. - Political science has significant and other qualities characteristics within positive science. - In a nutshell, political science is a branch of social sciences and it's now accepted as a science, albeit, not an absolute or exact one..