CAN THE STUDY OF POLITICS BE SCIENTIFIC

Can the study of Politics be Scientific

Can the study of Politics be Scientific

The study of Politics cannot be Scientific. Political science is a social science concerned with the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior. It is often described as the pragmatic application of the art and science of politics defined as "who gets what, when and how", leaving out of the picture most of the "why". Political science has several subfields, including: political theory, public policy, national politics, international relations, and comparative politics.

Politics is life, and as with life, politics is pervaded by struggle. The study of politics is intended to equip you with the concepts, theories and empirical information necessary to make sense of that contest on different levels. (Klingemann, Hans-Dieter, ed. 2007, 73-98)

Politics is also about us: how we make decisions in society, and who gets what, when and how. Politics is concerned, too, with the conflict of ideas and values, not only at the level of the local community or the nation, but also internationally. More specifically, it has to do with who governs, who gets to decide, and how and why decisions that affect all of us (such as how much students should pay to study at a university) are made. In short, politics matters!

What topics are studied in Politics?

Politics, whether we like it or not (and students and teachers of politics tend to like it!), is everywhere. The study of politics rests on four pillars: political theory, public policy, comparative politics and international relations.

Political theory invites us to examine the nature of political life, the ends towards which society ought to be organized and the qualities required of good citizens and leaders. Public policy concerns itself with the most effective means for achieving the purposes of the body politic, for organizing society and institutions, as well as with the formulation and delivery of political goods. (Klingemann, Hans-Dieter, ed. 2007, 73-98)

Comparative politics focuses on politics within states; it draws on area studies to compare histories, cultures, societies and institutions across the world in order to explain current political arrangements. The focus of international relations brings us to politics across state borders; it draws upon a canon of theory for interpretation and addresses a range of pressing contemporary issues such as international conflict, globalization and the promotion of human rights. Political science is a late arrival in terms of social sciences. However, the discipline has a clear set of antecedents such as moral philosophy, political philosophy, political economy, political theology, history, and other fields concerned with normative determinations of what ought to be and with deducing the characteristics and functions of the ideal state. In each historic period and in almost every geographic area, we can find someone studying politics and increasing political understanding. (Klingemann, Hans-Dieter, ed. 2007, 73-98)

The antecedents of Western politics can trace their roots back to Plato (427-347 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC), particularly in the works of Homer, ...