Module 01: Introduction PDF

# Module 01: Introduction ## 1.1 Meaning, Definitions, and Nature of Political Science ### Synopsis - Introduction - Meaning and Definitions of Politics and Political Science - Definitions of Political Science - Classical or Traditional View - Modern View/Definitions - Nature of Political Science...

# Module 01: Introduction ## 1.1 Meaning, Definitions, and Nature of Political Science ### Synopsis - Introduction - Meaning and Definitions of Politics and Political Science - Definitions of Political Science - Classical or Traditional View - Modern View/Definitions - Nature of Political Science - Meaning of Science - Politics is not Science - Conclusion ### Introduction Political science is a social science like its sister subjects and revolves around man and his social environment. It is one of the oldest social sciences. Its nature and scope of study have undergone several changes over the centuries. Political science first began with the Greeks. Although Greece was a small country in Europe, it was a land of enlightenment and knowledge in the ancient times. Almost all branches of knowledge originated in Greece. In Greece, political science was treated as the Science of the City State. The term "Politics" is derived from "Polis," which in the Greek language meant the city state. In those days, each city was an independent state, a principality in its own right. Politics as the science of the city state emerged as an instrument to serve as a moral guide to the ruling section of the society for the realization of good life in all its aspects and to adjust the mutual relationship within society. It also included the study of other social groups, as the family, apart from the state. In ancient Greece, political science covered the social, political organization and functioning of the city. Political science is broad enough to cover all those activities which gave the way for good life in society. ### Meaning and Definitions of Politics and Political Science Politics cannot be defined in any generally accepted way. The word "Politics" has different interpretations. Several eminent political thinkers and writers have used the title "Politics" instead of "Political Science." Most of the modern writers on politics prefer to use the designation "Political Science." The word "Political Science" was first used by Godwin and Mary Wollstonecraft, Vico, and Hume Sir Fredrik Pollok says, "There is science of politics in the same sense and to the same extent as there is science of morals." Sir John Seeley also accepted the designation "Political Science" without any hesitation. The terms "Politics," "Political Science," "Political Theory," and "Political Philosophy" are used as synonyms, though there is a slight change in the meaning. They represent the study of state. As mentioned above, Aristotle, the Father of Political Science, used the term "Politics" for the first time in his book "Politics." The term "Politics" is derived from the Greek word "Polis," which means city state. The term "Polity" is derived from the Greek word "Poleticia," which means "Government or Constitution." ### Definitions of Political Science There is no precise and universally accepted definitions of political science. A perusal of books written by eminent scholars shows that authors themselves do not hold clear-cut views with the result they find it difficult to give precise definitions of political science. The definitions of political science can be divided into two types, namely, classical or traditional and modern definitions. ### Classical or Traditional View According to traditional political scientists, politics deals mainly with the study of state or government or related institutions. According to Dr. Garner, "Political Science begins and ends with the state." Paul Jenet, "Political Science is that part of social science which dealt with the foundation of the state and principles of the government." R.N. Gilchrist, "Political Science deals with the states and governments." R.G. Gettell, "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." Bluntschli, "Political Science is the science which is concerned with the state, endeavors to understand and comprehend its essential nature, various forms, manifestation and development." Jenks, "Political Science is the study that deals with the state and government." Dr. Stephen Leacock, "Political Science deals with government." Lord Acton, "Political Science is concerned with state and with the conditions essential for its development." It is clear from the above definitions that according to the traditional view, the main subject of the study of political science is the state and government. ### Modern View/Definitions Political science as the study of state and government and its relationship with the individual remained valid for a very long time until the dawn of the twentieth century which saw fresh ground being covered by political scientists led by George Catlin, Charles Merriam, Almond, Powell, G. Bingham and others. This was the time when other social sciences began to flourish on their own, whereas political science which was described as the master science by Aristotle remained confined to the study of the government and its institutions with heavy thrust on legal aspects. Harold D. Lasswell and Abraham Kaplan, “Political science is as an empirical inquiry a duty of shaping and sharing of power.” Harold J. Laski, “Study of politics concerns itself with the life of men in relation to the organized state.” Rove, “Political activity is the activity which is resolved and translated into policy.” Max Webber, “Politics is the struggle for power or influencing of those in power.” Robson, “Political Science centers on the struggle to gain and retain the power, to exercise power or influence over others or to resist that exercise of power.” ### Nature of Political Science There are three main views about politics and those are Power view, the Liberal view and Marxian view. Among them, the power view of politics has become prominent during this century. The power may be political, economical and ideological. The power view of politics has been criticized on many grounds. The Liberals attacked the power view on the ground that politics is a process in society by which conflicts are resolved, common interests are served and an equilibrium is maintained in society. Power is the enemy of right and liberties. Power may be one aspect in the study of politics but politics should mainly be concerned with social welfare. Power can neither be the sole subject for politics nor the basis of state. The Liberal view of politics is that man as an individual is the centre of the study of politics. There are many groups in the society which seeks to protect the interests of their members against the conflicting interest of the competing groups. According to liberal view, the politics is a group activity and also state activity. J.S. Mill, Miller, MacIver, Laski are the main supporters of liberal view. According to Marxian view, political institutions and activities are outgrowth of the prevailing economic system, specially the mode of production. All social relations, including the political ones, are shaped by the prevailing economic relation in society, According to him, politics is an instrument of class domination. Marxism supports revolutionary politics. Politics is the study of class divisions, class struggle and class relations in society. Liberalism takes the individualistic view of society and politics, but Marxian takes the class view. Marxian supports the conflict - model instead of the consensus model in politics. ### Meaning of Science The word 'Science' literally means knowledge. Science is a knowledge ascertained by observation and experiment, critically tested, systematized and brought under general principles. The conclusions of science are based on experience and observation. The main characteristics of science are as follows: (i) Universality, (ii) Exactness, (iii) Precision, and (iv) Prediction. Science is studied by collecting and verifying data, formulating conscience, standard principle and to make prediction. Science is a systematic body of knowledge based on reasons and evidence. ### Politics is not Science James Bryce, "Politics can never be science." Katlyn, “There is no such thing as a political science." Buckle, “Politics is far from being a science, it is one of the most backward of all the arts". Maitland, “When I see a good set of examination questions headed by the word 'Political Science" I regret not the question but the title." August Comte "Totally rejected politics as a science on the following grounds:- (i) There is no consensus (unanimity) of opinion among political thinkers as to its methods, principles and conclusions. (ii) It is impossible to predict or foretell what is going to happen next as astronomy. This subject lacks above elements which constitute basis of prediction. (iii) It lacks continuity of development. According to the some of the political thinkers, politics is not a science for the following reasons: (a) Politics has no absolute and universal laws like physical science are exact sciences. (b) It does not observe the theory of cause and effect, which is basis of all sciences. (c) The subject of politics has not developed in study, regular and continuous manner. The technique of observation and experimentation cannot be applied to politics because it is difficult as political conditions are ever changing. It is dynamic and not static. (d) The subject matter of politics is related to men in society, the man's individuality, behaviour and opinions always go on changing and universal law and principles cannot be formulated as in other exact sciences. (e) The factors which influence political conditions cannot be controlled by experimentation. (f) In politics there are no tools for measurement to ascertain the result of observation of political phenomenon. (g) The political investigators are giving their opinion which is some times bias, not based on reality, not based on evidence. Hence, it is subjective and not objective. Therefore, it is not a science. (h) Political theories lack exactness. Since human nature and behaviour cannot be accurately studied just like some specimen or objects in laboratories which are under a complete control of the researcher. (i) The methods used in study of political issues are uncertain, crude and undeveloped. Hence, the results are not realistic. ### Conclusion It must be admitted that political science is not an exact science, as it falls short off the degree of perfection and exactness like physical sciences. But, still it is possible to study political science in a systematic and scientific manner. Politics deals with social phenomenon. In this subject there are different methods for studying different phenomenon. This science cannot demand absolute certainty on any social concern. It is also admitted that the subject matter of politics are human beings, whose actions cannot be predicted with absolute certainty. But its significance cannot be denied and like other political science it is having characteristic of positive science. In short, political science is branch of social sciences and it is now accepted that politics is a science though not absolute or exact science. ## 1.2 Contemporary Approaches to Study Political Science ### Synopsis - Introduction - Contemporary Approaches/Methods - Sociological Approach - Psychological Approach - Economical Approach - System Approach - Structural Functional Approach - Conclusion ### Introduction The contemporary approach is fact-based and lays emphasis on the factual study of political phenomenon to arrive at scientific and definite conclusions. The contemporary approaches includes sociological approach, economic approach, psychological approach, system approach, structural functional approach etc. ### Contemporary Approaches/Methods The modern approaches includes sociological, psychological, economic, system structural functional approach, behavioral approach. #### Sociological Approach: Sociological approach regards the State mainly as a social organization. As a member of society, every individual learns many things. The totality of what he has learned from society is called political culture. Political culture is a way of political life, a method of thinking, glancing and feeling. According to sociological approach, ample data was available in sociology to lay down certain empirical rules of political behaviour. The elements of kinship, race, religion, language and such others will have more influence on political structure and activities that are present in any society. Sociological approach is expounded by eminent thinkers like Maciver, David Easton, Almond, Lipset, Max Weber and others. According to sociological approach, the political behaviour of the individual can be understood in the social context. Political socialization has a place in the society. It is the process through which a citizen acquires his own view of the political world and it takes place as the individual has social experiences that lead to relationship with the world of politics. E.G. Catlin presents the following advantages of sociological approach: (a) The sociological approach allows the study of relation and social structure as a whole and does not emphasize the segmental study. (b) It links up the studies of political issues with a general theory of society. (c) It provides the trivial and the common details regarding political events taking place from day to day when one deals with the State as his unit of analysis. (d) It helps to study the institutions as a unit of analysis. #### Psychological Approach: Psychological approach gives much importance to instincts, habits, emotions etc. As it is individuals who act in different capacities in the political system, their psychology would reflect in their political roles too. The political behaviour of the leaders, of the legislators and the executives, to name a few, can be understood well when the studies are based on the psychological approach. The interpersonal relationships are more motivated by psychological factors and the former are crucial for institutional effectiveness. In the study of political behaviour of man, the psychological factors of man were emphasized by Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham and others. Its exponents in recent times are Graham Wallace, Charles Marriam, Harold D. Lasswell, Robert A Dahl and others. Eminent psychologists such as Freud, Jung and McDougall had already laid down the psychological bases for political behaviour. Psychological approach revolutionizes the study of political science. However, it has certain drawbacks. It has not covered much area and the progress made in this approach is disappointing. The approach proves ineffective in a fast moving and dynamic society. It brushes aside reason and gives excessive importance to anti-intellectual aspects of human nature. #### Economical Approach: Much of politics is influenced by economics. Economic factors are the motivating factors in politics. Economical approach in the study of politics can be traced back to the ancient thinkers like Plato and Aristotle. They gave importance to economic conditions and distribution of wealth in a State. The form of government depends much on them. There can be no peace and revolutions break out if economic inequality prevails. Modern writers like Harrington maintain that the form of government in a country is reflection of economical conditions. John Adams is of the view that, 'economic clashes result in political struggles'. Karl Marx's economic approach is very powerful one. It asserts that the economic productive forces and relationships would determine all other political, religious and other belief systems The economic basis for the human existence is more evident for a layman too. Marx revolutionized political theory. The political strength of a nation and foreign relations depend upon the economic strength of a nation. Political stability and strength depends upon the strength of agricultural and the industrial sectors, banking system and so on. Though there is much truth in what is said in the economical approach, it has certain drawbacks. It ignores other factors in the study of political science giving excess importance to economic factors. Thus, it is narrow and restricted. #### System Approach: The genesis of the system approach can be traced back to the writings of Ludwig Von Bertalanffy, a biologist in 1920. His emphasis was on the unification of all sciences. The meaning of general system is that a group objects or elements standing in some structural relationship to one another and interacting with certain characteristic processes. The system approach has been used in different has been used in different forms by Easton, Almond, Debtch and Kaplan in the analysis of political system. A system is a set of objects bounded by region in space and time. It involves interchange among its parts. Every system has its own structures and sub-structures. This approach helps to understand the national and international politics. This is a new approach to compare political systems. #### Structural Functional Approach: The structural functional approach is a branch of system approach. It regards society as a unity, as a single unit. Each element or part of it performs a particular, a special function. There is interaction among its parts. it helps in the maintenance of the equilibrium. This approach revolves round the two important concepts like structure and functions. Functions deal with the consequences involving objectives. Structures are those arrangements within the system which perform functions. A single function may be performed by a complex combination of structures or vice versa. For example, political system performs many functions. Political party is a structure in it, it performs some specific functions. ### Conclusion Broadly speaking, contemporary approaches to the study of politics signify a departure from traditional approaches in two respects: (a) they attempt to establish a separate identity of political science by focusing o the real character of politics; and (b) they try to understand politics in totality, transcending its formal aspects and looking for those aspects of social life which influence and are influenced by it. The system approach or simulation approach in political science base their inquiry on scientific data and as such are known as modern or empirical method. ## 1.3 Positivism- Behavioral Approach, Post-Positivism, Post-Behavioral Approach, Constructivism, Communitarian Approach ### Synopsis - Introduction - Behavioral Approach - Regularities - Verification - Techniques - Quantification - Values - Systematization - Pure Science - Integration - Post Behavioral Approach - Distinction between Behavioural and Post-Behavioural Approaches. - Constructivism, Communitarian Approach - Constructivism Approach - Features of Constructivism - Significance of Constructivism - Communitarian Approach - Features of Communitarian - Significance of Communitarian - Conclusion ### Introduction An approach is a way of looking at and then explaining particular phenomenon. An approach consist of criteria of selection, criteria employed in selecting the data, it consist of standards governing the inclusion and exclusion of question and data. The problem may be small or big. The explanation may be normative or empirical, qualitative or quantitative. The result is generalized statement of summarized actions. Political problems have been subjected to different kinds of analysis from time to time. Various explanatory methods have been followed to increase our understanding of things. ### Behavioral Approach Behavioural approach is a modern empirical approach which revolutioned political science. It has been developed from the 1940s and reached climax in the 1960s. Graham Wallas and Arthur Bentley were the first writer on this approach. In fact, political thinkers like Machiavelli, Locke, Mill and others studied the political behaviour of man to some extent. The central point of the behavioural approach is the study of facts relating to human behaviour in any capacity or context can give more valid and useful knowledge. In the case of political science to human behaviour exhibits useful information, and its measurable useful propositions can be formulated to tackle the present problems. The studies based on behavioural approach analyzed some of the key concepts of political phenomenon, viz., power, influence and coercion or force, so as to throw light on the democratization of relations whether they are of national or international nature. The motives, feelings, beliefs, actions, objectives and attitudes of the individual are studied in this approach. Accordingly, the political scientists who undertook the study of political behaviour sought to account for the psychological and sociological influences on behavior of the individual in political situation. This involved the study of political processes and factors such as political socialization, political ideologies, political culture, political participation, political communication, leadership, decision-making, and even political violence. An understanding of most of these process involved interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary research. In any case, behaviouralism as a movement in political science did not remain confined to the study of individual-based political behavior, but developed into a set of orientations, procedures and methods of analysis. In practice it embraced all that lends scientific character to modern political science. According to David Easton, the intellectual foundations of behaviouralism consist of eight major tenets: (i) Regularities: It implies that there are discoverable uniformities in political behavior which can be expressed in theory-like statements so as to provide for explanation and prediction of political phenomena. On the basis of uniformities we can explain and predict the political phenomenon, e.g. some voters vote for the same party in all elections. If we link up this behaviour with the social status, economic position and caste composition of the voters, we find a uniformity in the behaviour pattern. (ii) Verification: It requires that the validity of such theory-like statements must be testable, in principle, by reference to relevant behaviour. The knowledge to be valid should consist of- (a) propositions that have been subject to empirical tests, (b) that evidence must be based on observation, and (c) conclude that they have carried out a large number of studies of attitudes underlying political behaviour. (iii) Techniques: It means that the means for acquiring and interpreting data should be examined self-consciously, refined and validated for the purpose of observing, recoding and analyzing behavior. Correct techniques of sampling, scaling, etc. must be adopted for acquiring and interpreting data. (iv) Quantification: It is necessary because precision in the recording data and statement of findings requires measurement which should be expressed in terms of actual quantities to facilitate proper analysis. Data of study should be quantified and measured. Then the conclusions can be verified on the basis of quantified evidence. (v) Values: The behaviourlists drew a clear distinction between ethical evaluation and empirical explanation, which were concerned with values and facts respectively. They insisted that objective scientific inquiry has to be value-free or value neutral. Political science is a scientific study of politics in its functional aspect carried through empirical methods. It has nothing to do with moral or ethical questions. By using developed techniques and methods, research can always be kept value free. (vi) Systematization: The study in every field of political science must be systematic, theory oriented and theory directed. The behaviouralist theory does not consist of speculation but of predication, analytical explanation and scientific reasoning. (vii) Pure Science: It holds that the understanding and the explanation of political behaviour is essential to utilize knowledge in the solution of urgent practical problems of society. (viii) Integration: It signifies integration of political science other social sciences in order to evolve a comprehensive of human affairs, to strengthen its validity and the generality of its own result. The behavioural approach, succeeded in gathering valuable data on problems of leadership, voting pattern, role of political parties, pressure groups, etc. In addition to these, political science has made a more dynamic discipline by these approach. This behavioural approach has brought politics nearer to social sciences. Though there are certain advantages of behavioural approach, there are certain limitations and drawbacks of this approach as under:- (a) The meaning of political behaviour is not clear. (b) It is very difficult to study the political behaviour of a man. (c) It is not superior to other methods. (d) It overlooks moral values. (e) It makes political science dependent on other social sciences. (f) It very expensive. (g) It fails to distinct between physical and natural sciences. (h) It views human beings as an engineer would view material for building bridges. ### Post Behavioral Approach It is observed that by the end of 1960s the exponents of behaviouralism realized that its strict adherence to "pure science" was responsible for its failure to attend to the pressing social and political issues of the period. In 1969, David Easton himself announced a new revolution in political science-"a post -behavioural revolution" that represented a shift of focus from methodological issues to a greater concern with public responsibilities of discipline with political problems. David Easton drew the attention of contemporary political scientists to the impending threat of nuclear bomb, inner conflicts within the US which might lead to civil war or dictatorship and undeclared war in Vietnam which was disturbing moral consciousness the world over. David Easton emphasizing the intellectuals historical role in protecting the humane values of civilization. Easton concluded that scientist could adopt a rational interest in value construction an application without denying the validity of their science. The behavioural approach had instead only on making political science a pure science, the post behavioural approach sought to convert it into an applied science. Post-behavioural approach was both a movement and an intellectual tendency. Its main demands are relevance and action. The post- behavioural approach has following principles: (a) In the study of political science, substance must come before technique. (b) It should give emphasis on social change and not on social preservation. (c) Political science has to serve society in useful manner. (d) Our knowledge must be used for right goals hence values had to restored. (e) The political scientists to realize their major task to problem in society. (f) Knowledge must be put to work. (g) The study of political science should be related to urgent social problems and suggest solutions. ### Distinction Between Behavioural and Post-Behavioural Approaches: | The Issue | Behavioral Approach | Post-Behavioral Approach | |---|---|---| | Nature of inquiry | Search of pure knowledge and theory | Search for applied knowledge and practice | | Purpose of inquiry | 'Knowledge for knowledge sake', Not interested in action. | Relevance of knowledge to satisfy social needs and action for problem-solving. | | Focus of study | Micro-level analysis; focus on small units. Process of decision-making | Macro-level analysis; focus on the role of big units. Contents of the decision. | | Attitude towards values | Value -Neutral | Interested in the choice of values. | | Attitude towards social change | Interested in status-quo; Not interested in social change | Interested in social change for solving social problems. | ### Constructivism, Communitarian Approach #### Constructivism Approach: Constructivism is a learning theory that emphasizes the role of active engagement and personal experiences in the process of acquiring knowledge. It suggests that learners construct their understanding by building upon existing knowledge and mental frameworks. (i) Features of Constructivism: Political science employs various approaches to study political systems and behavior. These include: (a) Behavioral Approach: Focuses on observable political behaviors and actions, often using empirical methods to analyze political phenomena. (b) Institutional Approach: Examines political structures, organizations, and institutions to understand their impact on political processes and outcomes. (c) Structural-Functional Approach: Views political systems as interconnected parts that contribute to the overall stability and functioning of a society. (d) Rational Choice Approach: Assumes individuals make rational decisions based on self-interest, and applies economic principles to analyze political decision-making. (e) Cultural Approach: Studies the influence of culture, values, and beliefs on political behavior and institutions. (f) Historical Approach: Analyzes political phenomena by considering their historical context and evolution. (g) Post-structuralist Approach: Challenges traditional notions of power and authority, emphasizing the role of discourse and language in shaping political realities. (ii) Significance of Constructivism: In political science, the constructivist approach emphasizes the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping political behavior and outcomes. Key aspects include:- (a) Ideational Focus: Constructivism highlights the significance of ideas, beliefs, and shared meanings in influencing political actors and shaping their decisions. (b) Norms and Institutions: It explores how international norms and institutions impact state behavior and cooperation, emphasizing the role of non-material factors. (c) Identity and Social Constructivism: It examines how identities, both individual and collective, are socially constructed and how they influence political actions and interactions. (d) Socialization and Learning: It emphasizes the process of socialization and learning as crucial in the formation of political attitudes and behaviors. (e) Role of Discourse: It focuses on the role of language and discourse in shaping political realities, as well as how political actors use language to construct meaning. (f) Agency and Structure: It considers the interplay between individual agency and broader social structures, challenging deterministic views of political outcomes. #### Communitarian Approach: Communitarian is a socio-political philosophy emphasizing the importance of community and shared values in shaping individuals' identities and moral frameworks. It contrasts with individualism, advocating for a balance between individual rights and societal responsibilities. Communitarians stress the role of social bonds, traditions, and civic engagement in fostering a cohesive and ethical society. (i) Features of Communitarian: (a) Emphasis on Community: It prioritizes the significance of communities in shaping individuals and fostering a sense of belonging. (b). Balancing Individual and Community: It seeks a balance between individual rights and responsibilities to the community, rejecting extreme forms of individualism. (c) Shared Values: It advocates for shared moral and ethical values within a community, influencing individuals' behavior and choices. (d) Social Bonds: It emphasizes the importance of strong social bonds, relationships, and cooperation for the well-being of individuals and the community. (e) Civic Engagement: It encourages active participation in civic life, such as community service and political involvement, to strengthen the social fabric. (f) Critique of Excessive Individualism: It criticizes ideologies that prioritize individual autonomy at the expense of communal values and social cohesion. (g) Cultural Identity: It acknowledges the role of culture and tradition in shaping identity and promoting a sense of continuity within a community. (h) Localism: It supports localized decision-making and governance, valuing the role of smaller communities in fostering social harmony. (ii) Significance of Communitarian: (a) Social Cohesion: It promotes strong social bonds and a sense of community helps foster social cohesion, reducing alienation and isolation. (b) Ethical Foundation: By emphasizing shared values and responsibilities, communitarian provides a moral framework that goes beyond individual interests, contributing to ethical decision-making. (c) Balanced Individualism: It offers an alternative to extreme individualism, encouraging a balance between individual rights and communal responsibilities for a more sustainable society. (d) Civic Engagement: Communitarian approach encourages active participation in civic life, leading to a more engaged and responsible citizenry. (e) Cultural Preservation: The philosophy supports the preservation of cultural identity and traditions, contributing to the richness and diversity of societies. (f) Local Empowerment: It advocating for local decision-making empowers smaller communities, allowing them to address specific needs and challenges more effectively. (g) Critique of Atomistic Views: It provides a critique of atomistic views that overlook the importance of social connections and shared experiences in shaping individuals. ### Conclusion Overall, the constructivism approach in political science provides insights into understanding the subjective and ideational dimensions of politics, complementing more traditional, materialist perspectives. It's important to note that communitarian approach encompasses a range of perspectives, and interpretations may vary among different scholars and thinkers. Communitarian approach has influenced discussions on the balance between individual and collective well-being in various fields, including political philosophy, sociology, and ethics. ## 4. Significance of Political Science, Relationship of Political Science with Other Allied Subjects- Sociology, Economics, and Law ### 4A: Significance of Political Science ### Synopsis - Introduction - Significance of Political Science - Conclusion ### Introduction The scope of political science is comprehensive and it has great significance. Political science and political philosophy play complementary role in the realm of political theory. In recent years, the importance of political science has multiplied. Man is political animal and in all spheres of his life, he is directly or indirectly influenced by politics. The study of political science has become indispensable to social welfare and development. The study of political science is very useful and valuable. Its knowledge is essential and useful to both the ruler and the ruled. ### Significance of Political Science (a) Study of political science provides the information and ideas about state and government: It provides valuable information and ideas about state, government and other political organizations and institutions in existence. As state is the most universal and natural institution, powerful of all social institution, political science enable people to play useful role in social and political life. The main aim of the study of political science is to get knowledge of the state, its origin, nature, structure and function. (b) Political science provides idea about government, administration and diplomacy:- The administrators, political leaders, and diplomats, who are responsible to conduct the affairs of the state, need sound knowledge of political science in order to perform their functions with efficiency. It has tremendous utility and value to the executives, legislators and judges. In modern times the future leaders of the country are being educated and trained about various aspect of government and administration in different academic institutes and centers. (c) Imparts the knowledge of the world and stimulate the international peace and cooperation: The knowledge of political science enriches one's mind and widens the intellectual horizon, and getting knowledge of what is happening in the world around us. The study of politics stimulates international peace and cooperation. Political science is the science by which alone our civilization can be saved. Political science also teaches the lesson of co-operation adjustment and toleration. People of all walks of life should co-operate for the better development of the country. (d) Creation of democratic values: The study of political science has assumed special importance in modern times in all democratic countries. The success of democracy depends upon the political consciousness of its people. The study of political science makes people conscious of their rights and duties. It also makes them vigilant, unless the citizens of a country are vigilant, alert, intelligent and patriotic, there is no possibility of successful working of democracy in that country. It is rightly said that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." (e) Creation of good citizenship: The study of political science is valuable for creating good citizenship and securing unity of the nation. It makes citizens conscious of national, objectives and goals. Laski said that good citizenship implies "the contribution of one's instructed judgment to public good". It can be developed by the study of political science. Political science teaches the lessons and virtues of good citizenship. (f) Provides harmony between individual's freedom and state's control: Another objective of political science is to establish balance between state and individual. The freedom of individual and power of state should be integrated and harmonized. Political science studies the limit of state's control over individual's freedom and the area of individual's freedom. (g) The facilities social changes: Political science, being a dynamic social science, contributes to social change, the study of political science enables the individual to have good knowledge about progressive ideas and revolutionary changes. ### Conclusion Scientific analysis of political life enables us to understand and solve the problems of our social life. Political science enables to understand the causes of conflict and violence in society and gives us insights for preventing their outburst. The knowledge of political science enable us to secure development of society from our human resources, political science guides us to find remedies of political instability and various types of social crises. The study of political science has special importance in all countries. Its study helps us to understand the mechanism and Constitutional system of modern government. The principles of government, the domestic and foreign policies of the nation, the legislature, executive and judiciary of different countries, etc., are studied in political science. The principles of liberty, equality and fraternity are made clear by the study of political science. Keeping in mind its importance and utility, Aristotle regarded political science as, "The Supreme Science" or "Masters of all Science". ### 4B: Relationship of Political Science with Other Allied Subjects- Sociology, Economics, and Law Qtn. Discuss in detail the relationship of political science with sociology, economics and law.? ### Synopsis - Introduction - Political science and sociology - Political Science and Economics - Relationship of Political Science with Law - A study of state - A Study of man - A study of government - A study of political ideas - A study of political concepts - A study of Constitution - A study of International Relation - Conclusion ### Introduction Political science is closely related to other social sciences like History, Economics, Sociology, Ethics and Psychology. Its study includes all aspects of social organisation with which other social sciences also deal. It is related to other social sciences for two reasons: (i) all systematised knowledge is unified and (ii) all social sciences revolve around a common subject, i.e., human beings, who by their motivations and actions affect all spheres of social sciences-obviously then all social sciences are interrelated and indebted to each other. ### Political Science and Sociology Politics has close relationship with sociology. Sociology is regarded as a parent science of all social sciences. Political science and sociology are mutually contributory as both help each other in studying the activates of man living in society. Politics, gives to sociology facts about the organization and functions of state to understand social problem. Political science, takes from sociology a knowledge of the origin of political authority and law. This is particularly useful to politics because in the beginning the state was more a social than a political institution. Political science helps sociology by furnishing the details about state and government which are essential in understanding sociological problems. Political Science and Sociology, in spite of close relationship, differ from each other on the following points: (a) The scope of Sociology is wider than Political Science. Sociology studies social, political and economical aspects of society. Sociology studies man in general. Whereas Political Science studies only the political aspect of sociology. Its studies man as a citizen, hence its scope is narrow. (b) Political science is normative whereas Sociology is descriptive. Sociology gives description of events and actions without stating their good or bad consequences. The aim of political science is the welfare of the society. (c) Sociology studies both the organized and the unorganized societies whereas political science, studies organized societies only. (d) Sociology studies the present the past events whereas political science studies future also. ### Political Science and Economics Economics is the science of wealth. Originally economics was regarded as a branch of politics. It was called Political Economy. Adam Smith, in his book 'Wealth of Nations' says, "Political Economy proposes to enrich the people and the sovereign." Political science is the study of State and Government and political activities. Both Politics and Economics have close relationship. (i) Economics and Politics are concerned with the welfare of the human society. Politics explains how to bring peace and make life happy. It realises that without the satisfaction of basic economic requirements of man, political stability cannot be ensured. It tells the methods of controlling anarchy and regulating human activities. Political science and Economics have always remained closely related. (ii) State has to solve several economical problems. The State has to create an orderly atmosphere where smooth production and distribution of goods become possible. The State regulated industry, finance, trade and commerce through legislation. Political ideas and principles influence the economic issues. (iii) Political and economical problems act and react on each other. Most of the problems of the nation are economic in nature, but they are decided by political agencies. Economic factors were responsible for the outbreak of the world wars. (iv) To achieve development, the State not only performs the age-old functions relating to fiscal matters or entering into commerce but also details out the polices regarding taxation, marketing, exports and imports and nationalization. State are drawing plans for economic development. (v) Political power is at the root of economic power. Political power is captured in a democracy with economic resources.