The Clash of Art and Science
The dichotomy of art and science has always been the subject of so much debate for a very long
time. The disparity between these two contrasting areas is also evident in the realm of politics. Some
would contend that it is political art, while other might assert that it is political science. What is really
the nature of politics?
Definition of terms would be very helpful in answering this disturbing question. Art is described
as the ―power of performing actions especially acquired by experience, study, and observation. 24
Meanwhile, science, which comes from the Latin word scire meaning ―know‖, implies a systematized
body of knowledge. Both art and science deals with the understanding and learning contemporary. From
the descriptions given, we can construe that art is guided by actual experience that keeps on improving
as someone imbibes more vivid images of reality. Thus, it is more open to changes and can
accommodate variations over time. On the other side of the scale, science is firm and values uniformity
because of the presence of constants and methodologies that must be strictly followed for an
undertaking to be considered acceptable. Furthermore, it is generally guided by the empirical and uses
the gravity of numbers to solidify a scientific guess known as ―hypothesis.‖
Contemplating on these explanations, one would conclude that politics as a field of study and as
a practical undertaking takes the form of both art and science as it flourishes in actuality. Political Art is
normally seen through the lenses of one‘s own strategy and style which constructs a new identity that is
distinct from others. This aspect of politics produces the variety in the political landscape. What is
stressed in the dominion of ―politics as art‖ is the critical importance of properly using the power of the
mind, commonly known as common sense, to devise a plan of action which suits the taste of others.
Flexibility is a vital trait that must be developed by a political persona reminding him how to mix and
match charisma, skills, influence, resources and character, etc. in order to develop the artistic side of his
politics.
It is safe to say that political art is truly predominant in the realm of practical politics but in the
modern era, ―politics as science‖ has emerged as a very influential aspect not just in the academician‘s
corner but also in the actual application as well. As a science, politics attempts to incorporate the basic
methods of the natural and physical science in the study and analysis of those enclosed within the limits
of the political. Political scientists have learned the credibility and reliability of figures and numbers in
the interpretation of political phenomena and now employ the methods of data acquisition or
collection, usually done through surveys, and data analysis and interpretation with the aid of notable
principles in mathematics specifically from the great sage statistics.
In reality, political art, even though it is fairly widespread, would not be solely depending on
instincts and common sense. The current paradigm needs collaboration between the two aspects of
politics for someone to become more effective and responsive in a changing environment. Right now,
political individuals consult with numbers to assess the success or failure of their political campaigns via
pre-election polls usually conducted by third party survey firms like SWS and Pulse Asia. Indeed, the best
and efficient decision and policy-creators make an effort to strike a balance between ―politics as
art‖ and―politics as science to better comprehend what not to do and what is to be done.
Political Science Defined
Now that we have discerned the difference between the two aspects of politics, let us move on
to a much more interesting discussion concerning the academic discipline of the political—the field of
Political Science.
Basing on the study of word origin, Political Science is the crossroad of two remarkable terms
coming from the rich languages of Greek and Latin: polis (city-state) and scire (know).Therefore, Political
Science refers to the knowledge of the city-state, a political society which can be considered as the
state‘s equivalent in the olden times.
Aristotle, the regarded ―Father of Political Science‖, simply defined it as a ―political
investigation25 whose main objective was to ascertain the totality of politics. Conducting such
investigation would certainly require the formation of questions or inquiries that would direct the whole
process of discovery. Plato, Aristotle‘s mentor, who is now considered as the parent of Political
Philosophy first identified the essence of politics through the recognition of the philosopher kings‘
capability and wisdom to rule over the others. The beginnings of the discipline have assumed the
personality of political philosophy until French political thinker Jean Bodin devised the term political
science ―based on the organization of institution related to law.‖ 26
Generally speaking, defining Political Science takes two to tango. In its traditional sense, it is
―the study of the state in all its elements, aspects, and relationships that includes its government, and
its organs and institutions through which the state functions.‖ 27 On a much modern sense, the discipline
has expanded by including the political attitudes and behaviors of people, how they influence the
structures and institutions, and the issues circulating in the scene of governance. It is the oldest social
science and has many points of contact with history, law, economics, and philosophy.28 Hence, Political
Science is a vital branch of social science that deals with the comprehensive study of the state covering
its structures such as the government, the personalities such as officials and people, the processes
involved in its local and international affairs, and the interaction among these identified actors and
variables in the political system. Moreover, it is the systematic study and analysis of the sphere of
politics.
Political Science: Branches
Like any other sector of science, the field of Political Science which is one of the daughters of the
greater branch of social science, has developed its own subdivisions overtime. The long list includes the
following:
1. Political Theory establishes the link between Political Science and the area of study known as
Philosophy. This branch studies and contributes to an old and ever-evolving dialogue about the ultimate
realities that shape political life and the ultimate principles that should guide it.29 Its primary concern is
to give a closer look to the basics of politics such as justice, rights, liberty, freedom, power, etc. and
understand their application in reality.
2. The actions undertaken by the government is the major focus of Public Administration. It is all about
how governments organize and operate, about how bureaucracies work and interact with citizens and
each other.30Public administration evaluates the behavior developed by bureaucracies and has high
regard on citizen‘s feedback concerning the program of action initiated by the government and its other
instrumentalities.
3. Differentiated from the area of Public Administration, Public Policy is a branch that heavily deals with
the system of regulations and laws that directs the flow and course of both governmental action and
inaction. Such regulations have the ability of binding society due to the fact that it is promulgated by a
structure blessed with authority and power. Yet the irony is demonstrated by the fact that public
reaction can change or shape it.
4. Political Economy comprehends the influence and dynamic forces of economics in the political
system. ―It is not with the body politic, but with that body social or body industrial that I have called
the body economic, that political economy is directly concerned‖31 says Henry George in his celebrated
work The Science of Political Economy. The thesis of this segment is the influence of economic factors
such as wealth, the means of production, the distribution of wealth, goods, and services, etc. in the
conduct of politics and how do they affect the political actors ‘behavior and attitudes.
5. The evaluation of political systems and governments that had flourished in the face of the Earth
catches the attention of Comparative Politics. Contrasting and comparing are techniques that experts in
this area employ in order to determine the degree and reasons for the success or failure of one
structure or system from the other accounting factors such as geography, culture, traditions, etc.
6. International Relations emphasizes on the interaction of states and nations within the confines of the
international political setting. The study of organizations and institutions whose scope is primarily
international in nature, foreign policies and stance on global issues such as terrorism and global
warming, and the general relations of states whether peaceful or hostile, is embraced by international
relations.
In An Open Relationship
If Political Science was a Facebook user, expect that its list of friends would be overwhelming
because the field is undeniably friendly proven by its noteworthy connections with other areas of study.
Philosophy. The discipline of Philosophy has significant multifarious contributions to the development of
Political Science as a separate field of expertise in the sense that the latter‘s foundations was molded by
Political Philosophy. The political is simply guided by its wisdom as it expounds the essences of justice,
love, order, morality, power, authority, etc. and sets standards that may not be completely realized in
practice considering the variety of interpretation.
History. Tracing the origins and developments through time is the salient concentration of History.
Interdependence exists between the two disciplines and in the case of Political Science; the
understanding of the present political status quo could be fully realized through the help of the
historical reconstruction of the past. Accordingly, ―the historical beginnings of the government and its
institutions are necessary inputs to explain the current dynamics of the state‘s social environment.‖32 In
addition, the visualization of future political phenomena can be predicted based on trends or patterns
found in the domain of the past.
Psychology. The relationship between it and Political Science can be seen on the scientific side of politics
particularly in the study of political behavior. Psychology translates the bland descriptions of Political
Science into deeper explanations using observable behaviors of the electorates, bureaucrats, and other
entities inside the political system that serves as driving force by producing feedbacks to the institutions.
In fact, a new hybrid field has been shaped from the convergence of the principles and tenets of Political
Science and Psychology—the contemporary Political Psychology.
Sociology. This branch of social science whose core is directed towards the study of a greater system or
society has served as an essential device in uncovering the hidden aspects of politics. Man by nature is a
political animal; thus, every person practices politics in a daily basis and we always belong and are
influenced by the societal constructs surrounding us. For example, public opinion is crafted by the
events and things occurring in the expanse of the societal set-up. The environment really molds and has
a strong impact to politics.
Education. Knowledge and critical thinking is very important in the political realm and education
inculcates these essential things to the people. The area of education empowers individuals to step up
their game and be actively involved in the political matters. Education motivates the ―common tao‖ to
be more participative in governmental processes such as elections and policy-making and abolishes the
mental passiveness of being merely governed.
Economics. Political Science and this discipline are intertwined by the fact that political institutions and
structure specifically the government and other related organizations are deeply affected by the
economic resources available at its disposal. Economics ―deals with the management of the income,
supplies, and expenses of a household, community or government, or other group or organization.‖33
Economics serves as the prompter of the government in the production or generation and the
apportioning of resources while Political Science manages the process by pinpointing priorities from
non-priorities.
Management. This field holds a prime position in all organizations. Management typically involves the
basic processes of planning, coordination, staffing, budgeting, etc. which makes every organizational
programs and undertakings more effective and successful. Political Science enlightens managers by
giving assistance in ascertaining the prioritized goals, staffing the right people, drafting proper budgetary
allocations, and providing the right measures for coordination.
Engineering. This is a breakthrough discipline where the canons of Mathematics, Thermodynamics, and
other empirical scientific areas of study are applied into reality as observed in the establishment of
government projects that can be seen by the naked eye. Political Science advocates development while
Engineering makes development possible. The former evaluates the need of the community while the
latter realizes the need via concrete structures that fosters opportunity for economic and social
advancement and prosperity.
Accountancy. It is the discipline which ensures that public revenues are lawfully, effectively, efficiently,
and economically spent through proper auditing procedures and with due diligence.34 The link between
this academic area and Political Science is that Accountancy offers conduits for checking governmental
revenue generation and spending that promotes the values of accountability and transparency among
political leaders, public servants or officers, and bureaucrats.
Statistics. Political Science needs Statistics more than Statistics needing it. The significance of the
mathematical discipline in the context of understanding the nature of politics is seen in the move of
Political Science towards becoming a more scientific-based field of specialization. Political Scientists, in
the conduct of their research works, requires the higher level analysis of data that is provided by
Statistics. It is not an issue of quantitative defeating qualitative but it only faces current challenges
where numbers proved to be something that matters.
Importance of Political Science
The rationale behind the inclusion of Political Science in the curricula of tertiary education is
anchored on realizing the following goals:
1. Knowledge and Competence. Political Science offers a colossal chance to imbibe substantial
knowledge and information on political concepts and appreciate the essential functions of the
government and the state in providing the best for its people. Moreover, students would be able to
learn their basic rights as citizens of the country and the accompanying limitations in the exercise of the
same. Individuals who explore the richness of Political Science would also appreciate the various
governmental processes involved in the advancement of the general welfare particularly the
complexities of legislation, administration, and interpretation of the body of rules and laws of the state.
2. Skills. This relates to the acquisition of legal skills as students would venture the wholeness of the
fundamental law of the land. They would develop the keen ability in handling situations wherein conflict
of interests and encroachment of rights are involved. Persons with enough knowledge of the discipline
can provide basic legal assistance concerning the requisites of due process and how to recover rightful
damages when there is grave abuse of discretion from authorities as well as private entities in the
intervention of one‘s rights. In addition, works as a preparatory course for students who want to pursue
careers in Foreign Service, government, the academe through research and teaching, etc. Filipinos are
empowered by Political Science to empower their fellow Filipinos.
3. Values. Political Science supplants the seeds of nationalism and good citizenship to the young bright
minds of the country as they learn their responsibilities as Filipino citizens and realizes their critical role
in nation-building and catalyzing change in the society. The discipline aims inculcate into their cerebral
domain that they, as youths, are the true hope of the fatherland and that they must be aware of the
dynamic environment where they belong.
24 Roman R. Dannug and Marlo B. Campanilla, 2004, Politics, Governance and Government with
Philippine Constitution, (Quezon City: C & E Publishing), p. 48.
25 Thomas M. Magstadt, 2013, Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues, (USA: Cengage
Learning), p. 12.
26 Christopher Fuster Bueno, Origin of Political Science, <[Link]
Political-Science>, accessed 6 May, 2014
27 Reynold Reyes-Laurente, 2006, Essentials of Political Science 2, (Manila: Rex Book Store), p. 8.
28 Bueno, [Link].
29 Robert G. Moser, Political Theory, <[Link]
program/fields/[Link]>, accessed 7 May, 2014
30 Thomas M. Magstadt, 2013, Understanding Politics: Ideas, Institutions, and Issues, (USA: Cengage
Learning), p. 17.
31 As cited in <[Link]
economy/[Link]#p-11> accessed 3 May, 2014.
32 Roman R. Dannug and Marlo B. Campanilla, 2004, Politics, Governance and Government with
Philippine Constitution, (Quezon City: C & E Publishing), p. 62.
33 Reynold Reyes-Laurente, 2006, Essentials of Political Science 2, (Manila: Rex Book Store), p. 18.
34 Dannug and Campanilla, [Link]., p. 65.
