Welcome to the Presentation
Introduction to Political Science
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Outline
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Introduction
What is Political Science?
Historical Evolution
Is Political Science a Science?
Nature & Scope
Methodology
Utility
Concluding Remarks
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Introduction
Political Science is one of the number of titles for
the academic study of politics in all its
dimensions. As an academic discipline the subject
is very old, which can be traced back to ancient
Greece (about 500 to 300 BC). However, Political
Science, as currently conceived, is a relatively new
concept that dates to the nineteenth-century United
States. With the passage of time, emergence of
new knowledge and methods have modified the
traditional definition of the discipline
and
widened its scope as well.
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What is Political Science?
Political Science is the study of State , government
and politics.
A State is an entity possessing a permanent
population, a defined territory, a government
commanding obedience, the capacity to deal with
other States. [Vide Montevideo Convention on the
Rights and Duties of States Signed at Montevideo, 26
December 1933 and entered into Force, 26 December1934]
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What is Political Science?
Government is the political organization through
which the collective will of the people is
formulated , expressed and executed. As a matter
of fact, the state operates through the government
machinery. Government is also defined as an
organization that possesses the legitimate means
of coercion in a society.
Politics can be simply defined as the activity by
which differing interests within a given unit of
rule are conciliated by giving them a share in
power in proportion to their importance to the
welfare and survival of the whole community.
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What is Political Science?
As the State remains the central subject of
the study, traditional writers defined
Political Science in terms of the State.
According to Bluntsehli, Political Science is
the science of State. According to French
writer Paul Janet Political science is that
branch of social science which treats the
foundations of the State and the principles
of government
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What is Political Science?
With the interaction of new forces
necessitating new approaches to the study
of Political Science, it has been suggested
that Political Science should no longer be
defined in terms of objects such as the state.
Catlin defines Political science as the study
of “the act of human and social control” or
“the study of control relationship of wills”.
German writers regard it as ‘the study
concerning the problem of power and social
control’.
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What is Political Science?
In the early 1950s and the 1960s, a behavioral
revolution stressed the need for systematic and
rigorously scientific study of individual and group
behavior. This has shifted the emphasis of political
studies away from traditional legal-institutional
manifestation.The
central
question
that
behaviouralists ask is :“Why do individuals,
institutional actors and nation-states behave in the
way they do?” Behaviouralists are interested in
establishing pattern of causation.
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What is Political Science?
The basic pattern of behavioral reasoning is
illustrated in the following figure.
Stimulus x
Political Behavior y
Systemic Consequences z
Figure: Basic reasoning of behavioral political science.
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What is Political Science?
American Political scientist Hrold D.
Lasswell defines “Political Science as an
empirical discipline, (as) the study of the
shaping and sharing of power and a political
act (as) one performed in power
perspectives”.
Robert A. Dahl defines political system as
follows: “A political system is any pattern
of human relationships that involve, to a
significant extent, however, rule or
authority”.
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Evolution
The term Political Science is intimately
related to the word Politics, which itself
derives from the Greek word ‘Polis’ meaning
a city-state. To the Greeks the city was the
state and the subject that deals with the citystate and its problems was designated as
politics. The Sophists in Athens were the first
to deal with problems of city-state and then
expounded a political theory.
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Evolution
Later on Socrates (470-399B.C), Plato(428-347
B.C) and Aristotle (384-322B.C) continued to
conduct the scientific study of the various
problems concerning the state and the
government. Aristotle, the world famous
Greek philosopher, however excelled his
teacher Plato and his teacher’s teacher –
Socrates. Now Aristotle is regarded as the
father of the science of Politics in the west.
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Evolution
However, Manu is considered to be the first
political thinker in Indian subcontinent and
his first book Manusmriti is regarded as the
first book of law in this part of the world.
Later on, it was Chanakya who formed and
formulated Indian political thinking and
gave it concrete form in the shape of a book
named Kautilya’s Arthasastra, well-known
book of Indian Polity.
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Evolution
In the 4th century B.C Aristotle referred to
politics as the “Queen of sciences”, but for
many centuries thereafter it lost a separate
identity. Until perhaps the 19th century such
intellectual work as was carried out on
politics was by political philosophers,
theologians or journalists, but seldom by
full-time professional political analysts.
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Evolution
Gradually a separate discipline emerged
from the previous conglomeration of law,
economics and philosophy, so that by the
end of 19th century most American and
many German universities had professors
and departments of politics or political
science. It is pertinent to mention here that
the first professorship in the subject was in
fact set up in Sweden in the 17th century.
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Is Political Science a Science?
Whether Political Science is a really a science or
not depends upon what we regard as the test of a
science.
Does a science involve merely systematic
reasoning, or must the reasoning be exact and the
conclusions clearly defined and subject to no
exceptions as in the case of natural sciences?
Does the claim of Political Science to be science
involve the power to predict the political future?
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Is Political Science a Science?
Natural scientists argue that political science
cannot be a science because The
variables in political science are not all
subject to measurement.
 Unlike natural scientists, political scientists
cannot set
up experiments with what are
apparently the same ingredients, in the same
conditions and produce the same results.
 Political scientists can never accurately predict.
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Is Political Science a Science?
Political Science is neither an exact science nor
can it claim to predict the future with certainty.
The results in the physical sciences, like Physics
and Chemistry, are definite and remain true under
given conditions for all men and in different
climes. if there is any variation, it can be tested
and explained. But it is not possible to place men
in a laboratory as if they were guinea pigs, nor is it
possible to impose precise laboratory conditions
on the political sphere in real life.
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Is Political Science a Science?
Political science deals with men and it is a living
subject matter which can be explained in terms of
living human activity. It cannot be expressed in
fixed or static formulae. Man is dynamic and so
must his institutions be. They must adjust
themselves with the changing demands of man
and his manifold needs. No institution is today
what it was yesterday and what it will be
tomorrow. It is the human element or the
livingness of the subject which makes Political
Science inexact and indefinite.
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Scope of Political Science
Political Science is, thus, an organized body
of knowledge the facts of which have been
scientifically and systematically observed,
collected and classified, and from these
facts are formulated and proved a series of
propositions or principles which forms the
basis of the science.
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Scope of Political Science
Study of State and Government. Since
Political Science is the science of the State
and the Government, it conducts the
scientific study of both the State and the
Government. It deals with the nature and
formation of the State and tries to
understand various forms and functions of
the Government.
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Scope of Political Science
Study of Associations and Institutions. The scope of
Political Science also includes the study of
associations and institutions. In this connection Dr.
Garner has very aptly observed : “In organized way
the fundamental problems of Political Science
include, first an investigation of the origin and
nature of the State, second, an inquiry into nature,
history and forms of political institutions and third,
deduction therefrom, so far as possible, of laws of
political growth and development”. There are many
types of institutions in a society and the State an
institution that stands supreme-controls all of them.
This is why we study, in Political Science, these
institutions along with the State.
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Scope of Political Science
Study of National and International Problems and
the Political Study of Man. In ancient times
Greece was divided into small city-states and the
affairs related to those city-states were known as
politics. But now the meaning of the word
“politics” is not considered to be so narrow. These
days Political Science is not limited to the citystates only but it deals with the national and the
international problems. Despite this it will not be
wrong to say that the scope of Political Science
includes the political study of man also, otherwise
the study of Political Science will remain
incomplete.
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Scope of Political Science
Study of Past, Present and Future
Development of State. Scope of Political
Science is not restricted to the study of past
and present alone, but it directs the future
course of development of the State. It gives
timely suggestions with a view to
improving political institutions and
modifying political activities so as to meet
the new dimensions of the changing world.
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Scope of Political Science
Study of the Concept of Power. With the
behavioral revolution in politics, the central
topic of the latest study in Political Science
has become the study of the power.
Probably the best known definition of
power is that of Max Weber(1864-1920)
who characterized power as the chance of a
man or a number of men to realize own will
in a communal action even against the
resistance of others who are participating in
the action.
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Scope of Political Science
Consequently, modern political scientists
under the behavioral and systems approach
have widened the scope of political science
to cover many more aspects like political
socialization, political culture, political
development and informal structures like
pressure groups etc.
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Methods of Political Science
The methods of investigation employed in political
science are:
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Observational Method
Experimental Method
Historical Method
Comparative Method
Statistical Method
Philosophical Method
Biological Method
Psychological Method
Juridical Method
Sociological Method
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Observational Method
This method is based on direct observation and reflection.
It helps in arriving at certain political principle in the light
of observation made and information obtained. In the olden
times Plato visited all the progressive countries right from
Asia to southern Italy. He closely studied the social,
economic and political conditions of these countries and
then could be able to propound certain principles to
Political Science. In modern times James Brice employed
this method. He visited the USA, Canada, France,
Switzerland, Australia and New Zealand, studied the
people and their countries, clearly observed the workings
of their institutions and formed his own conclusions.
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Experimental Method
Experiment is observation under conditions arranged by
the investigator. We may not experiment in Political
Science as we do in a Physical Science, but practical
experiments in political institutions are being constantly
made, consciously or unconsciously . Every government
makes experiments when it adopts a policy or enacts a new
law. Governmental policy changes and laws are amended
or repealed if their public utility is not abundantly proved.
Dr. Garner rightly affirms that “the enactment of every
new law, the establishment of every new policy is
experimental in the sense that it is regarded merely as
provisional or tentative until the results have proved its
fitness to become permanent.
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Historical Method
The present is the gift of the past. This is the reason why
we seek help of history, when we study the origin,
development and the present nature of such political
institution as the State and the Government. The historical
method
supplements
the
experimental
method.
Montesquieu, Savigny, Seeley, Maine Freeman and Laski
are some of the eminent exponents of historical method.
Sabine and other traditional writers attached great
importance historical approach. “A political theory”
according to Sabine is always advanced in reference to a
pretty specific situation”. It is therefore essential to
understand “the time, place and circumstances in which it
was produced”.
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Comparative Method
The comparative method which is closely related to
historical method, attempts to discover general laws and
conclusions from the study of past or existing States by a
process of selection , comparison and elimination. Greek
philosopher Aristotle(384-322B.C) is said to have studied as
many as 158 constitutions and after analyzing and
comparing them, he arrived at certain definite conclusions.
In modern times comparative method has been used by
Montesquieu, De Tocqueville, Bryce and many others.
James Bryce compared the working of democracy in
different countries and then, accounted for its merits and
defects as a form of government.
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Statistical Method
The method which has recently become increasingly
important and is being widely used in the study of political
phenomenon is the statistical method. It attempts to
describe and measure in quantitative terms and is specially
to the study of political parties and public opinion. The
statistical techniques extended to the study of comparative
government and international relations. In some Western
countries “public opinion polls” or “Gallup polls” are held.
If skillfully framed and conducted, such polls have shown
themselves, in UK and USA, to be capable of a high
degree of accuracy.
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Philosophical Method
In Political Science this method of investigation
starts from some abstract original idea about
human nature and draws deduction from that idea
as to the nature of the State, its aims, its functions
and its future. Plato Rousseau, Hegel, Bradley,
Kant, and Sidgwick are prominent exponents of
this method. When dealing with the question
“what ought to be” we have to depend on the
philosophical method. Almost all political
thinkers, who wished to organized an ideal State,
adopted this method.
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Juridical Method
The juridical or legalistic method regards
the State as a legal person or corporation,
existing for the creation and enforcement of
law. It views political
society as a
collection of legal rights and obligations,
and analyses the public law relations of the
State, but ignores many other extra-legal
and social forces that underlie the
constitution and laws of the State and that
influence human relations.
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Psychological Method
The psychological method attempts to
explain political phenomena through
psychological laws, especially by studying
the motives of human behavior, the action
of minds in groups and associations; and the
methods of influencing public opinion. It
helps to explain the issues upon which
political parties are based and from which
international controversies arise.
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Sociological Method
This method regards the state as a social
organism. Individuals are the component
parts of the social organism. This method
seeks to deduce the quality and attributes of
the state from the quality and attributes of
men composing it. This method is becoming
very popular these days. The increasing
popularity of this method has led to the
birth of a new subject known as Political
Sociology.
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Biological Method
The biological method draws an analogy
between the State and a living organism,
describes the structure and analyses the
functions of the State in terms of human
anatomy and physiology, and interprets the
development of the State according to the
theory of evolution. It results in interesting
analogies, but must be used with great
caution , since the laws of growth and
change which govern living organisms are
not applicable to the State.
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Importance of Studying Political
Science in Bangladesh
Now-a-days we cannot think ourselves
outside the State. The State is ever present
in our everyday lives. As a citizen we have
specific roles and responsibilities towards
the State. The State has also a duty to
uphold the rights of the citizens. By
studying political science we come to know
our rights and obligations in the State.
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Importance of Studying Political Science
All modern States have grown in size and
capacity in recent years. Most states have
extended their roles and responsibilities
from primarily defense and law and order
concerns to concerns about everyday
economic management, welfare services
and the regulation of many aspects of social
life. Studying Political Science helps us
realize the multifarious functions the State.
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Importance of Studying Political
Political Science acquaints the learners with
different forms of government and their
relative merits and demerits. It also shed
light on the political systems and
governments of other countries of the world
thereby enabling the learners to assess their
own government and political system in the
contemporary context.
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Importance of Studying
Political knowledge provides the social glue that
binds the citizens to his or her political system.
Regimes of any kind do not last for long without
political support. Political support relies upon
people recognizing the validity of their political
arguments. As one writer puts it: “Presidents are
not respected , laws are not obeyed, taxes are not
paid, political stability does not prevail- unless
people believes”.
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Importance of Studying Political Science in
Bangladesh
Bangladesh began its journey as a newly
independent nation after a war of liberation in
1971.Four decades have elapsed since Bangladesh
has achieved her independence. The culture of
intolerance practices holds the nation hostage
which is making democratic process unworkable.
A fully functioning democratic polity requires a
politically literate citizenry. In this context,
studying Political Science has got special
significance in Bangladesh.
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Political Science in Bangladesh
The golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s
independence will be observed in the year
2021. Government of Bangladesh (GoB) has
pledged to make Bangladesh a digital
Bangladesh. It has also pledged to make this
country as one of medium income. GoB
envisions a liberal, progressive and
democratic welfare state as stated in the
recently announced Vision 2021.
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Political Science in Bangladesh
“...We envision a democratic system where people
choose their government freely and get services
from it without hassle, enjoy freedom from fear
and intolerance, live with dignity; where every
citizen is assured of social justice, environment
protection, human rights and equal opportunities;
and where the rule of law and good governance
flourish. We envision a liberal, progressive and
democratic welfare state. ...”
.....Quoted from Vision 2021
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Political Science in Bangladesh
Materialization of Vision 2021 requires congenial
political climate. Confrontational politics is still a
source of potential instability and political
uncertainty , which to some extent, adversely
affects Bangladesh’s international reputation and
the investment climate. Parliamentary functions
are not performed effectively. Bangladesh's
development landscape would be unrealistic
without a transformation in our political culture.
This is why political education on the part of
citizens is required.
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Concluding Remarks
Defining the nature and scope of contemporary
political science is a difficult undertaking. If we
focus excessively on recent theoretical and
methodological issues we run the risk of devaluing
the roots of the discipline and the need of
contemporary students to understand those roots.
On the other hand, excessive emphasis on the
formal institutions of government, and on
traditional political theory may lead us to ignore
important contemporary developments. A selfconscious blend of these various approaches is
likely to achieve a more richer and powerful
understanding.
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This lecture note is prepared for the participants
of MPA program of Civil Service College,
Dhaka. It consists of excerpts from different
publications and doesn’t claim any original
contribution. Please don’t quote.
THIS IS THE END OF A BEGINNING.
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Required Readings
Agrawal, R. C.(2005) Political Theory, New
Delhi: Chand & Company Ltd.
Kapoor, A.C.(2000) Principles of Political
Science, New Delhi: Chand & Company
Ltd.
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Q & A
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