POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE
Fundamentals of Political Science
(PSC111) (BAPS11) | Prof. Noami D. Solano | SEM 1 2023
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due process, inclusivity, and
open discussion)
The Varying Views of Politics
➔ Substantive Consensus
1. Politics as a discipline is the heart of (actual content or substance
political science. of the agreement or decision,
● According to Great Aristotle, it is the goes beyond the process)
study of the affairs of the polis (city- ● As a society - acknowledges that
state) which he defines as “the politics is intricately linked to the
most sovereign and inclusive structure, norms, and dynamics of
association”. the broader society it operates
● Dahl who’s a classic writer said that within, as it reflects and influences
politics is the existence of rules or the collective values and aspirations
authority within the state. of the people.
● The study of power relationships ● As a power and distribution of
among people in a given society as power - highlights that politics
well as those relationships among revolves around the acquisition,
states in the international exercise, and allocation of authority
community. and influence, shaping how
● Harold Laswell, a modern political decisions are made and resources
scientist, defined politics as “who are distributed in a community.
gets what, when, and how”. ● As a public affair - underscores
● Individuals running for office must that politics encompasses all matters
have a base of electoral, political, of public concern, including policy-
and financial support. making, governance, and civic
2. Politics as a concept is associated with engagement, which collectively
the culture of cooperation on one side and shape the well-being of a society.
differing conflicts on the other side. ● As an art of government -
● It is the middle ground that aims to emphasizes the skillful and ethical
unionize and harmonize clashing management of public affairs,
concerns in achieving a consensus. involving the formulation and
3. Politics as an action exists when people implementation of policies,
build an organization, or when they defend regulations, and institutions to
and modify the prevailing rules of the effectively govern and address
society under which they live and prosper. societal challenges.
● As a consensus and compromise
- signifies the process of achieving Defining Politics
agreements and resolving conflicts ● Politics is defined in such a number
among individuals or groups with of ways as to the exercise of
differing interests and perspectives power, the making of political
within a society, essential for decisions, the practice of deception
effective governance. and manipulation, the exercise of
➔ Procedural Consensus authority, the allocation of limited
(methods and processes, resources and so forth.
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● It is a study that tries to complement
Basic Issues in Politics
extreme power and interests in
society.
● It is an art and science in Some Key Terms in Politics
harmonizing both ends together in
the name of consensus and
compromise. The Study of Political Science
● Characteristics of Politics: 1. Politics as Academics
1. All questions involve the ● Politics has its roots in philosophy,
making of a common history, and law, seeking to
decision for a group of understand the foundations of
people, that is, a uniform human society. Over time, it evolved
decision applying in the into a dynamic and scientific field of
same way to all members of inquiry, particularly in the mid-20th
the group. century. Today, political analysis
2. All involve the use of force by emphasizes the importance of
one person or a group of political theories, norms, and
people to affect the behavior processes. The study of politics
of another person or group of encompasses a wide range of
people. theories and analytical approaches,
● Politics is the struggle for power, making it a meaningful academic
control, and influence. It is a discipline.
central concept that runs in the 2. Politics as a Science
hearts of a state. It is not only about ● Politics is considered a science
the institutions and channels of because it aims to uncover objective
government but rather about the truths about political reality by
persons working either directly or distinguishing facts from values.
indirectly in the affairs of the Science, in general, seeks reliable
government. explanations through
● Politics is the “theory, art, the experimentation, observation, and
science, and the practice of deduction. However, challenges
government”. arise in politics due to complexities
● According to Haque (2022): in data collection, inherent values in
a. Politics is a collective activity political models, and biases among
b. Politics presumes an initial researchers. As a result, the
diversity of views academic field of Political Science
c. Politics involves reconciling emerged to address these
such differences challenges and provide a structured
d. Political decisions became approach to understanding politics.
authoritative policy
The Growth of Political Science
● According to Aristotle (384-322
BCE), man by nature is a political
animal (supra). Politics is then but a The Nature of Political Science
struggle for power.
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7. Political Dynamics: Encompasses
Methodology of Political Science
the study of the forces influencing
government and politics,
New Approaches in Political Science emphasizing factors such as
pressure/interest groups, public
opinion, and political parties. These
Branches and Fields of Political dynamic elements serve as the
Science driving forces behind political actors
1. Political Theory: Examines the and perspectives, shaping the
fundamental principles and ideas course of governance and policy-
that underpin political systems, making.
exploring concepts such as justice,
Goals and Importance of Political
democracy, liberty, and authority. Science
2. Comparative Politics: Compares
1. Knowledge Based
different political systems,
● It aims to provide a deep
governments, and societies to
understanding of political systems,
identify patterns, differences, and
institutions, and historical and
trends in areas like governance,
comparative analyses. This
institutions, and public policy.
knowledge informs public opinion
3. International Relations: Focuses
and enables citizens to make
on interactions between countries,
informed decisions.
addressing issues such as
2. Competence Based
diplomacy, international
● Political Science equips individuals
organizations, conflict resolution,
with the competence to engage in
and global cooperation.
governance, policy development,
4. Public Administration: Investigates
political leadership, and conflict
the functioning of government
resolution. It prepares them to
bureaucracies, their efficiency, and
participate effectively in political
their role in policy implementation.
processes.
5. Political Philosophy: Engages with
3. Skills Based
deep philosophical questions about
● The field hones research, critical
justice, power, and governance,
thinking, communication,
often discussing the moral
negotiation, and problem-solving
foundations of political systems.
skills. It emphasizes ethical decision-
6. Public Law: Primarily focuses on
making. These skills are valuable in
the organization of government
politics, policy development, and
offices, limitations on government
international relations, allowing
authority, and regulations governing
individuals to address complex
public officials. In a broader context,
political and social challenges.
law consists of rules established by
competent authorities to govern Concepts, Models, and Theories
various aspects of human conduct
and activity, with distinct branches,
addressing specific areas. Structural Processes of Political
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Science
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