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THE STUDY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

1.0 OBJECTIVES 1) To understand the changing meaning, nature and scope of political – science
as a social Science
1.1 INTRODUCTION The lesson would enable the student to know the Definitions and Meaning
of Political science. The Definitions would reflect the changing understanding of Politics. It is
difficult to give a single precise definition of Political Science. It varies from person to person
depending upon the importance he gives to various aspects of political life. The study of Political
Science began with the Greeks.
1.2 DEFINITIONS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Various definitions of Political Science given by the
ancient, Medieval and modern political scientists of this subject are as follows:
1] Origin:- The term `politics‟, is derived from the Greek word `Polis‟, which means the city state
According to Greek Philosophers, Politics was a subject which dealt with all the activities and
affairs of the city state. Their City States were known as `Polis‟. City state was an all inclusive
term, as the ancient Greeks made no distinction between the state and the Government on one
hand, and State and Society on the other. They never differentiated between personal life and
social life. Hence according to them Politics was a total study of man, society, state, morality and
so on.
2] Politics as the study of the state: - Traditionally Political science is a science of state. A political
thinker like R.G. Gettel, J.W. Garner, Bluntschli and many others were of the view that political
science was the study of the state.
R.G. Getlel defined “Political Science as a study of state in the past, present and future and of
Political institutions and Political theories”. J.W.Garner States, “Political Science begins and ends
with the state”
3] Politics as the study of the Government: - Some Political Scientists like Paul Janet, George
Catlin, and Hans Eulan have accepted the view which states that politics deals with the state and
government. Paul Janet writes “Political Science is concerned with the foundations of the state
and principles of government. George Catlin states “Politics means either the activities of political
life or the study of these activities. And these activities are generally treated as activities of the
various organs of government.” Prof Hans Eulan considers in his definition of politics that the
study of formal government is a fundamental concern of politics. The Oxford English Dictionary
defines Political Science as “the study of the state and systems of government.”
4] Politics as the study of national Institution:- Bridal expressed the view that “Political Science is,
above all, descriptive study which brings together the description of national political institutions,
their history, their ideological principles, their working, the forces that direct them, the influence
they undergo, the results they obtain and their effect on the life of the country and its relations
with neighbouring states “. Traditional Approach: - The concept of Political Science as a study of
State, Government and national Institution is not considered adequate today. This aspect of
above definitions emphasizes the legal structure only. They do not pay attention to what is
happening within the State. Political Science must include the study of informal structures, facts
and reality of Politics. Hence, modern Political thinkers defined Political Science differently and
taken modern approach.
5] Political Science as a Study of Power: - Modern Political thinkers like Lasswell, Robert Dahl
have defined politics in terms of power, influence, and authority. According to these thinkers
Power has acquired prominent position in political thought. Harold Lasswell considers, “Politics is
the study of shaping and sharing Political powers” Robert A. Dahl defined that, “A Political
system is any persistent pattern of human relationship that involves, to a significant extent
power, rule or authority.” According to the view of these thinkers entire political activity
directed towards capturing and maintaining power/ “Power” is the central idea in Politics – who
get what when and how”.
6] Political Science as a study of Conflict Resolution: - This view was suggested by Miller in his
`Nature of Politics‟. The purpose of a political activity is either to bring about a change or resist a
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change. People compete with each other to satisfy their needs. When resources are limited and
the people who want to utilize them are many conflicts arise. Politics is a means to resolve this
conflict. According to Peter B. Haris“The Modern emphasis in the study of Politics is laid on
disagreements and reconciliation or resolution of this disagreement.
7] Political Science as a Study of Co-relation of many Forces Encyclopaedia of Social Sciences
States, “Present day political science revolves around the problem of the attainment,
consolidation and distribution of political power whether in an actually existing state or a
hypothetical state”. Political Institution and politics cannot function in vacuum. Social and
economic forces affect the political process. Hence they also must be taken into account.
Analysis and Conclusion: - The several definitions of the term Political Science reflect the changing
understanding of the discipline. From above definitions we may say that there are mainly two
approaches of looking at Political-Science. 1) Traditional Approach, 2) Morden approach. The
Traditional Approach suggests that Political-Science is the study of State, Government and
National Institutions. It studies the formal, legal structures and theoretical part. The Modern
Approach emphasizes “What is actually happening in the state”. It stressed on reality and actual
facts of politics. Thus it studies various forces, processes and informal structures making it
dynamic. However, it can be said that political - Science is a systematic study of the State,
Government, Political institutions, Power, influence and authority, Political processes and Political
forces. Table about definitions and meaning of political – science.

1.3 NATURE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political – Science is a social science. Its nature is different than physical sciences like physics and
chemistry. Whenever we study the origin, evolution and development of Political Science; we
find various aspects of the nature of Political Science. The definitions and meaning of Political
Science shows that it is a systematic study of Political theory, Political Institutions, Political forces
and processes. When we call Politics as `Political Science‟, we have to see how far this subject
stands to the tests of science in the strict sense of the term. In this unit we discuss the nature of
Political – Science as a social science.
1] Is it a Science? Very often a question is raised whether the discipline of Politics can be regarded
as a science? There is no unanimity among Political thinkers whether the subject is a Science.
What is a Science? “Science is a systematic body of knowledge, the facts of which have been
accurately and impartially collected, arranged and classified through the use of various scientific
methods of observation, comparison and experimentation”. Various arguments are forwarded
for and against the discipline being a science.
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ARGUMENTS THAT IT IS NOT A SCIENCE: - Political Scientists like Maitland, Burke, and Gettel
do not think that Politics is really a Science. Their arguments are as follows:-
1] Disagreement in Definition, Terminology and Methods: - There is no general agreement
among Political thinkers regarding definition, scope, terminology etc. There is no exactness or
precision in the political science, as a result, they cannot be accepted and applied universally. This
does not happen in case of natural sciences like physics and chemistry. 2] Lack of Precision: -
Principles of Political Science are not precise, clear and they lead to many controversies. Where -
as a formula in physics or chemistry is clear and universally accepted. eg. The laws of gravity or
the principles of arithmetic i.e. Two plus two equals four everywhere. However Political Science
like pure and natural sciences such as physics and Mathematics does not possess any such
universally relevant principles. 3] Human Beings: - Politics deals with human beings whose minds
are unpredictable. Political scientists have to deal with man (human beings) who are not under
their control. Human behaviour is unpredictable and not always logical. Whereas physics and
chemistry deal with matter or inanimate objects (non living objects). Natural scientist work in
laboratories and the objects are perfectly under their control. Hence their rules and laws are
absolute, and universal. 4] Limited Experimentation:- Experimentation in laboratory or in an
isolated environment is not possible in Politics like natural sciences. 5] Lack of Objectivity:
Political Science lacks objectivity but subjective element is very strong. Political-science is
subjective and relative because political scientist has to deal with human beings in relation to
society, State, Government etc. 6] Difficult to Predict Future :- Political phenomena do not
follow proper sequence like exact science. At times, the effects are contrary and therefore the
results cannot be predicted. Inspire of the above arguments, the subject is regarded as a science
because: - Arguments that it is a Science: - 1] Political Science is not a pure science but a social
Science – Politics is a systematized body of knowledge. Its facts are collected and organized
through proper observation, comparison and experimentation, etc. eg. Studies on election.
Science is a systematic and formulated knowledge of a specified subject. In that sense Political
Science is certainly a science. 2] Political Experiments are not completely ruled out. The
government itself is a continuous experiment. The application of Marxist principles in the USSR
was one such experiment. 3] Broad Conclusions can be drawn in Political Science eg.
Independent impartial judiciary, free press is essential for democracy. 4] Empirical studies are
based on careful observation and classification: - Political Science puts hypothesis to empirical
verification. Theories are not built on speculation. Political Scientists today employ survey
methods, graphs, charts etc. to arrive at their research conclusions. Thus political science is not a
pure science, but a social science.
2] Is Politics an Art? The term `Art‟ refers to the practical application of knowledge. Political
Science applies the knowledge about political events for creating a good social and political
order. Hence it is an art. Robert Dhal States that “Political Science is both – Science and Art.
Whenever students of Political Science test their theories against the data of experience by
observation, the political analysis can be regarded as scientific. When this political analysis is
applied for the working of political institution it is an art”.
3] Politics or Political Science? : - What should the subject be called Politics or Political Science?
Aristotle called his studies in Political Phenomena as `Politics‟. Prof Laskis work was named as a
“Grammer of Politics”. However, most of the modern writers prefer the subject to be called as
`Political Science‟ and not as Politics. Because Political Science is a systematic study of Political
theory, political institutions, political forces and processes. The term `Politics‟ indicates the
current political problems or issues. Many times common people use the term of Politics as a
dubious, messy, rotten affairs. `Politics‟ is a wide spread and universal activity and that is analysis
in political - science. Study of politics is a part of the study of political Science. Politics is an
activity and that what it analyses as a political science is only a part of it. The term `Politics‟ is
not precise to give us whole range of knowledge pertaining to state and other political
institutions. There is distinction between a politician and political scientist. A politician is a person
who actively participates in the political affairs. Whereas a political scientist is an expert in the
subject. He studies the subject systematically. Hence it is preferable the subject be called a
`Political Science and not Politics.
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Table Nature of Political Science:

THE SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

1.4 THE SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE The scope of Political-Science means the subject matter
or content of Political Science. Various Political thinkers are not in agreement about the exact
scope of politics. The lack of precise definition and terminology has created confusion regarding
the subject matter of Political Science. Despite the ambiguity and controversy in the field various
aspects included in the study of political science are as follows: - A conference of political thinkers
held in Sept 1948 at the UNESCO House decided the scope of Political Science.
1.4 1] Political Science is the study of Political theories:- Over the centuries, Political scientists have
concerned themselves with formulating political theories and political ideas. e.g., Plato explained
theory of Ideal State, Theory of justice, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau explained theory of origin of
state. These theories enable us to organize their observations and offer a foundation on which
future observations and analysis can be based.
1.4 2] Political Institutions: - Study of Political Science includes the study of various constitutions,
various systems of government their merits, demits etc. eg. Whether it is parliamentary,
presidential, dictatorial, democratic, coalition form of government. Such a study helps us to
reform out political institutions in order to realize our goals.
1.4 3] Political Parties and Pressure Groups: - It studies the various systems of political parties,
their role and importance. Pressure groups and interest groups are becoming more important.
Political science studies their role, methods etc. in a given political system. This makes the study
of Political - Science more realistic. Opposition political parties, pressure groups Non-
Governmental organizations (NGOS) do not directly from the government. They indirectly
influence governmental policies and decisions. Hence the study of governance (act of governing)
is incomplete if it is limited to the study of government.
1.4 4] International Relations: - It includes the study of international organization, and policies.
States do not live in isolation. Domestic Policy and foreign Policy are interrelated. Hence the
study of international relations becomes significant more in the times of globalization.
1.4 5] Political Science is the study of the relationship between government and civil society: -
The state is comprised of two entities: government and civil society. Both entities influence
governance in different ways. Civil society includes citizens, Nongovernmental Organization
(NGOS), pressure groups, opposition Political parties. Civil society influence governance
indirectly, by influencing the government and convincing it to adopt certain policies. Whereas
the government is possesses the power and authority to influence governance directly. Hence the
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relationship between government and civil society is an important determinant of governance in
the state. Political Science Studies this relationship in order to better understand the nature of the
state and the efficacy of governance.
1.4 6] It is the study of Power, Authority, Influences, Political Activities, Political Processes:
Political Science is normative as well as empirical. Normative approach of Political Science studies
norms, ideals, morals, principles, philosophy of Political Science eg. What should be the nature of
the state etc? Empirical approach of political Science observes and analyses political activities and
institutions as they are in a scientific way.
1.4 6] Morgenthau said scope of Political-Science includes three branches: - a) Political Sociology
b) Political theory. c) Political Institutions. d) Modern political Scientists feel that man’s social life
is an integrated whole. Any change in man’s social environment has repercussions on man’s
political life. The modern state cannot escape from that impact of the social, psychological,
economic and cultural forces. According to Leacock Political Science must not content itself with a
mere analysis of Political institutions as existing at any given time, it must take account of the
process of change and evolution, and the alteration of social and intellectual environment.”
1.4 7] ‘Master Science’:- Aristotle called political science the “Master Science‟ because Politics
determines the environment within which every person will organize his life. No one can claim
that he has nothing to do with Politics. No one can escape from the parameters set by politics.
The ancient Greeks never made any distinction between man’s personal life and political life.
According to them Politics is the total study of man, Society, State, Morality etc.
1.4 8] Study of Political system and its environments: - Varied political systems exist and function
in different environment. Political science studies them with reference to the response given and
feedback secured. The policies of one system have an impact on the other systems. Also political
decisions are not made in vacuums. These are influenced by economic structure, social institutions
and the whole environment in which the state functions.
1.5 SUMMARY
Summary Table

1.6. Political Science and Other Social And human Sciences: Social science are those sciences,
which discuss about the things connected with the affairs of individuals living in society, political
science, economics, history, geography are some of the important social sciences. Political science
is immensely benefited from other social sciences. It is essentially connected and related to other
social sciences. As a matter of fact, all social sciences are interrelated and interdependent.
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Political Science and History: There is closed and intimate relationship between political science
and history. The relationship between political science and history is beautifully explained by
John Seeley. “History without political science has no fruit and political science without history
has no root”. To quote the same author again, “Politics is vulgar when not liberalized by history
and history fades into mere literature when it loses sight of its relation to politics”. According to
Freeman, “History is past politics and politics is present history “. They are complementary to
each other. Montesquieu and Bryce made use of historical materials to study political science.
Lord Bryce claims that, political science stands midway between history and
politics, between the past and the present. It has drawn its materials from the one; it has to apply
them to the other. History deals with past events, movements revolutions, national struggles etc.
and gives information about the origin and development of political institutions and thought.
When various issues, concepts and terms, ideologies, are discussed in political science, their
historical development is also taken into consideration.
Political Science and Economics: Political science and economics are very closely related. In the
past, economics has been regarded as a branch of political science. Adam smith the father of
economics in his book “An Enquiry into the Nature and Courses of Wealth of Nations” also
considered economics as an important branch of political science. It was called political economy.
Now the two social sciences namely political science and economics have their individuality and
identification. Economics is a social science dealing with the production, distribution, exchange
and consumption of wealth in the society. All economic activity is carried on within the state on
conditions and stipulations laid down by the state. Political science and economics are concerned
with such matters, as formulation of five year plans, the socialistic pattern of society economic
and welfare activities of government. The political conditions of a country are greatly affected
by its economic conditions. Healthy economy depends on a strong, effective and efficient
administration of a country.
Political Science and Geography: Political science is also related to geography. Geo means
earth and graphy means description and geography is the description of the earth. Geography is
the study of the earth’s surface, physical features, natural and political divisions, climatic
conditions, population, etc. It helps us to understand the impact and influence of geographical
conditions of the political institutions of a country. Political geography is known as geopolitics, a
new branch of study in modern times. Montesquieu stressed the influence of physical
environments on the forms of government and liberty of the people. As territory is an essential
element of a state, geo-political factors influence political environment. According to Rousseau,
there is a link between the climatic conditions and form of government. Warm climates are
conducive to despots, cold climates to barbarism and moderate climate to a good polity.
Political Science and Sociology: Sociology is the root of all social sciences. Auguste Comte is the
father of sociology. Sociology is the study of Society. Political science and sociology are inter-
related political scientists and sociologists contribute mutually for the benefit of whole society.
For example, the institution of marriage and related problems after that, namely divorce are
within the domain of sociology. How to solve these problems in a harmonious way for better
standard of life is within the competence of political science. What was once a sub-field of
sociology has now takes the form of “political sociology” which is now a legitimate subfield of
political science.
1.7. QUESTIONS
1. Define Political Science and examine its nature.
2. Explain the Meaning of Political Science. Is it a Science or an art?
3. Write in details about the scope of Political Science.
4. Describe the relationship of political science to sociology.
5. Write a note on behaviouralism.
6. Discuss the scope and significance of political science.
7. Describe the nature of post-behaviouralism.
8. Bring out the relationship of political science with other social sciences.