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Nature and Significance of Political Science

Dr. 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-today 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 Platos Academy and Aristotles 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 coexistence. 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 Ones 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.

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