Political Science Definition, Nature & Importance PDF

# Module I ## Meaning and Nature of Political science ### Politics - derived from Greek word 'Polis' - Which means 'city-states'. ### Aristotle - The Father of Political science - Wed the term 'Politics' for the first time in his book 'Politics'. ## Defination - Classical/Traditional - M...

# Module I ## Meaning and Nature of Political science ### Politics - derived from Greek word 'Polis' - Which means 'city-states'. ### Aristotle - The Father of Political science - Wed the term 'Politics' for the first time in his book 'Politics'. ## Defination - Classical/Traditional - Modern ### I Classical/Traditional Defination: - 1) J.W. Garner - Political science begins and ends with the state. 2) Paul Janet - Political science is that part of social sciences which treats the foundations of the state and principles of the government. 3) Lord Acton - Political science is concerned with the state and with the conditions essentials for its development. - state/government centric definations. ### ⑪ Modern Defination 1) Harold Lasswell - Politics as an empirical enquiry is the duty of shaping and sharing the Power. 2) David Easton - Political science is concerned with the authoritative allocation of values of the society. - Politics is the process of by which scarce resources - human, economic, spiritual are allocated within a social limit for the purpose of fulfilling the needs and desires of the people. 3) Harold J. Laski - The study of politics concerned itself with the life of men in relation to organized states. 4) Max Weber - Politics is the struggle for power or the influencing of those in power. - Modern definations concerns with state, government, political processes, relation of state and individual, and power, etc. ## Nature of Political Science ### Science - Science is knowledge gained by observation and experiment, critically tested, systematized and brought under general principles. - Characteristics of science - exactness, precision and predictability, universality. - Science - systematic body of knowledge based on reasons and evidence ### Art - Means 'skill', or 'a way of doing perticular thing in a perticular way.' - Can be improved by practice and guided by principles. ### Nature Politics is a science - - On following grounds: 1) Can be studied in a systematic manner. 2) Experimentation is possible in politics. 3) Has absolute and universal laws/theds. 4) It is possible to make prediction in politics in a limited areas. 5) Political thinkers unanimously agreed on certain principles and methods. ### ⑥ At present, politics has attained modernity - Aristotle - Politics is a 'supreme science'. ### Politics is not a science Auguste Comte rejected to treat politics as science - 1) There is no consensus of opinion among the political thinkers as to its methods, principles and conclusions. 2) It is impossible to forecaste what is going to happen as Astronomy can tell us. (Lack of predictability). 3) Its lacks continuity and development. Other grounds :- 1) Has no absolute and universal law like physical science. 2) Does not observe the theory of cause & effect, (basis of all sciences). 3) Development of politics is not steady, regular & continuous manner. 4) Observation and experimentation cannot be applied to politics because political conditions are always changing. 5) The subject-matter of politics is related to men & man's individuality, behaviour & opinions which are always changing. Universal law & principles cannot be formulated. 6) Factors which influence political conditions cannot be controlled for experimentation. 7) There are no tools to measure the results of observation of political phenomena. 8) Investigator's biases or feelings can distort the reality. Politics is subjective. Subjective by nature & objectivity is not possible in politics. 9) Human nature and behaviour cannot be studied accurately, just like some specimen or object in a laboratory (under complete control). Therefore politics lacks exactness. 10) Methods used in study of political issues are uncertain, crude & undeveloped & results are not reliable. ## * Political science is social science - 1) It is degree of perfection and exactness it is less (than science-physics). 2) Passion, emotions and prejudices influence the political processes - defy absolute prediction. 3) But systematic and scientific study of 'politics' is possible - Positivism and Behaviouralism (1950's & 60's) 4) 'Politics' - social phenomenon. - Different methods for different phenomena. - Cannot demand absolute certainty on any social question. - Subject matter :- human political behaviour/actions. - Which are unpredictable 'Uncertain' 5) Politics like other social science subjects economics, ethics, sociology is a - 'Social Science' ## * Politics is an Art Art :- -Practical application of knowledge, way to achieve defini predecided ends. - Art teaches us how to do'. Art is an action with purpose. - Art lays down solutions to the problems. 1) Politics is the art of the possible - the attainable - the art of the next best - otto von Bismark 2) Waw Explains the ways how political affairs should be conducted and how to reach at best possible solution. 3) Politics gives guidlines to the ruless, administrators and citizens. ## ★★ Importance of political science 1) To solve the political problems, the clear understanding of origin & development and nature/role of the state is required. 2) The knowledge of the past political thought and principles enable us to understand the present, social, Political & administrative problems. 3) Political theory describes the meaning of different political terms (liberty, equality, Justice, rights, gender, class), with which everybody comes across in day to day life. 4) Knowledge of pol. sci. makes the individual conscious of their role as a member of society, enlightens on their constitution and gives the knowledge about acquiring citizenship. 5) Politics makes people conscious of their rights and duties. 6) Politics educates on ways of protecting liberty and justice. 7) The knowledge of politics enables people in a democracy to be vigilant and cautious. 8) Politics helps us to set up high Standards in state politics, administration & statesmanship. It helps to prepare for an ideal system for future govt. 9) Political science deals with the world affairs & educates people how internationalism is imp. in the present World of political tensions. 10) It educate people on all political models f remove wrong notions.