Nature and Significance of

Political Science

Avinash Samal
Assistant Professor
Hidayatullah National Law University
Raipur, Chhattisgarh
Political Science – Science or Art?
Two schools of thought
 Politics is the master or ‘supreme science’ –
Aristotle
 It has failed to act up to the standards of science
– Hobbes, Hume, John Seeley, Lord Bryce etc.
 Maitland – “when I see a good set of examination
questions headed by the word political science, I
regret not the question but the title.”
 Buckle – “In the present state of knowledge, far
from being a science, politics is one of the most
backward of all arts”
Arguments Against
 No consensus of opinion among experts as to its
methods, principles and conclusions
 Political principles are not universally accepted
and applied
 Certain terms are given different meanings and
interpretations
 It is impossible to apply rigorous scientific
methods
 Political phenomena are characterized by
uncertainty, variableness, and a lack of order and
continuity
 Laboratory experiments are not possible in
political science
Cont.
 Political researchers deal with human beings whose
behaviour and actions can seldom be regulated and
predicted
 Political scientist cannot dream of duplicating laboratory
experiments as in physical sciences.
 Unlike physical sciences, political science lacks uniform
principles or laws that are universally valid.
 Political scientists cannot make correct predictions as
political behaviour of men is unpredictable.
 The keen political researcher and the bold political prophet
cannot forecast future political happenings.
 Passions, emotions and prejudices of human beings which
influence political process defy absolute prediction.
The Test of Science
 The whole question about the scientific character of
political science hinges on the test of a science.
 Science is broadly defined as "a body of systematized
knowledge."
 Systematization, predictability, verifiability, objectivity
and generality
 Lack of objectivity and value-neutrality
 Objectivity which characterizes the study of physical
sciences is lacking in political studies.
 The political scientist cannot take a completely impartial
attitude in dealing with political issues and problems.
 The subjective bias of the political observer colours his
judgment of political phenomena under study and his
findings may be one-sided and contain partial truth.
Cont.
 Science aims at formulating general principles or laws which
explain the behaviour of objects under study and help in
making predictions about their future mode of operation.
 Again, the general principles of scientific study must be
verified by observation or experiments.
 Physical and natural sciences fulfill all these elements of
science.
 But social sciences make use of the scientific method while
studying social phenomena and arrive at certain general
propositions. Of course, it is admitted that the general
principles of social sciences including political science are
neither universally valid nor are always exact and precise.
 These arguments clearly show that political science cannot be
an exact science like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
But it is a social science like sociology, economics and
psychology.
Arguments in Favour
 Political Science, like other social sciences, has a scientific character
because the scientific method is applicable to its phenomena, namely, the
accumulation of facts, the linking of these together in causal sequences
and the generalization from the latter of general principles or laws.
 Appadorai succinctly observes: "It is true that the laboratory method of
experiment is difficult with social sciences; but the whole field of historical
facts and the facts of the contemporary world are there for the student to
observe, classify, connect, and compare for the formulation of general
principles.
 Though laboratory experiments are impossible, experiments under certain
limitations are feasible and in several areas political experiments have
been successfully tried.
 Experiments in methods of direct democracy have been made in
Switzerland, in India, we have introduced Panchayati Raj institutions after
its experiment was found successful in some States.
 Since the behavioural revolution in Political Science, sophisticated tools
and techniques of research, concepts and models borrowed from other
sciences have enriched political studies and imparted it greater scientific
character.
Both Science as Well as Art
 Political Science is both a science and an art.
 An art is defined as the practical application of knowledge
for the achievement of a particular end.
 Political Science offers a body of systematized knowledge
which can be applied in drafting a constitution, in day-to-
day administration, in legislation, in foreign policy and
above all in bringing about the all-round development of
the State.
 Knowledge of political science is made use of by states
men, diplomats, politicians, administrators, and social
leaders to achieve their objectives.
Significance of Political
Science
 Man as a political animal
 In his actions he is directly or indirectly
involved in politics. Politics is a
universal activity
 A citizen encounters politics in the govt.
of a country, town, school, church,
business form, trade union, club,
political party, civic associations and a
host of other organizations
 One of the unavoidable facts of human
existence
High Educative Value
 Imparts Knowledge with regard to state, govt, and a host of other
pol institutions and processes.
 Politically enlightened people can play useful role in political affairs
 It makes men politically conscious – an essential condition for
successful working of democracy
 Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty
 It makes people alert and conscious about their rights and
responsibilities
 A well informed electorate with sound knowledge of political science
is vigilant, responsive and provides the best safeguard against the
arbitrary rule and despotic tendency of the government
 Can make political participation meaningful
 It can develop a sense of political participation in the affairs of the
state if he is intellectually equipped with knowledge of the
institutions, processes and functions
Helps Achieve Constructive
Political Progress
 If governance can be shaped and improved through positive
human effort, then no study is more valuable than political
science.
 It lays down the principles which need to be followed in the
conduct of public affairs.
 Statesman, politicians, legislators, administrators and diplomats
– all political practitioners require a sound knowledge of political
science
 They can make practical application of the knowledge of
political science in their respective fields
 “Where there is practice, there should be theory” – study of
political theory is invaluable to political practice.
 Political science is the science of state craft.
 Politics was taught in Plato’s “Academy” and Aristotle’s
“Lyceum” with a view to preparing prospective statesman and
administrators.
Helps Bring Social Change
 Understanding of politics and political participation in
revolutionary politics go a long way in bringing about much
needed change in the society.
 Study of political science tells us about different ideologies and
helps us formulate our own ideas.
 It helps maintain a balance between rights and liberties of the
individual and the authority of the state.
 Knowledge of Pol. Sc. helps determine the boundary of
freedom and limits of political control.
 It teaches lessons in cooperation, toleration and peaceful co-
existence.
 Broadens the outlook of man by freeing him from the narrow
bounds of parochialism, regionalism, etc.
 Aims at a just world order characterized by peaceful
coexistence, and a high degree of understanding and
cooperation among states.
Enriches One’s Mind
 Makes rich contribution to the realm of knowledge
 It expands the intellectual horizon of man and
equips him to understand the happenings around
the world
 Bernard Shaw highlights the crucial significance of
political science when he observes “Political
science is the science by which alone civilization
can be saved”.
 It enlightens mankind about constructive political
progress and the avoidance of pitfalls and
dangers the modern man is beset with.