1. nature & significance of pol. science

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Nature and Significance ofPolitical Science

Dr. Avinash Samal Assistant Professor

Hidayatullah National Law UniversityRaipur, Chhattisgarh


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Arguments Against

No consensus of opinion among experts as to itsmethods, principles and conclusionsPolitical principles are not universally acceptedand applied

Certain terms are given different meanings andinterpretationsIt is impossible to apply rigorous scientificmethodsPolitical phenomena are characterized byuncertainty, variableness, and a lack of orderand continuityLaboratory experiments are not possible inpolitical science


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Cont.

Political researchers deal with human beings whosebehaviour and actions can seldom be regulated andpredictedPolitical scientist cannot dream of duplicating laboratory

experiments as in physical sciences.Unlike physical sciences, political science lacks uniformprinciples or laws that are universally valid.Political scientists cannot make correct predictions aspolitical behaviour of men is unpredictable.

The keen political researcher and the bold political prophetcannot forecast future political happenings.Passions, emotions and prejudices of human beings whichinfluence political process defy absolute prediction.


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The Test of Science

The whole question about the scientific character ofpolitical science hinges on the test of a science.Science is broadly defined as "a body of systematizedknowledge."Systematization, predictability, verifiability, objectivityand generalityLack of objectivity and value-neutralityObjectivity which characterizes the study of physicalsciences is lacking in political studies.The political scientist cannot take a completely impartialattitude in dealing with political issues and problems.The subjective bias of the political observer colours his

judgment of political phenomena under study and hisfindings may be one-sided and contain partial truth.


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Cont.

Science aims at formulating general principles or laws whichexplain the behaviour of objects under study and help inmaking predictions about their future mode of operation.Again, the general principles of scientific study must beverified by observation or experiments.Physical and natural sciences fulfill all these elements ofscience.But social sciences make use of the scientific method whilestudying social phenomena and arrive at certain generalpropositions. Of course, it is admitted that the generalprinciples of social sciences including political science are

neither universally valid nor are always exact and precise.These arguments clearly show that political science cannot bean exact science like Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Butit is a social science like sociology, economics and psychology.


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Political Science, like other social sciences, has a scientific characterbecause the scientific method is applicable to its phenomena, namely,the accumulation of facts, the linking of these together in causalsequences and the generalization from the latter of general principlesor laws.Appadorai succinctly observes: "It is true that the laboratory methodof experiment is difficult with social sciences; but the whole field ofhistorical facts and the facts of the contemporary world are there forthe student to observe, classify, connect, and compare for theformulation of general principles.Though laboratory experiments are impossible, experiments undercertain limitations are feasible and in several areas politicalexperiments have been successfully tried.Experiments in methods of direct democracy have been made inSwitzerland, in India, we have introduced Panchayati Raj institutionsafter its experiment was found successful in some States.Since the behavioural revolution in Political Science, sophisticated toolsand techniques of research, concepts and models borrowed from othersciences have enriched political studies and imparted it greaterscientific character.

Arguments in Favour


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Both Science as Well as ArtPolitical Science is both a science and an art.An art is defined as the practical application of knowledgefor the achievement of a particular end.Political Science offers a body of systematized knowledgewhich can be applied in drafting a constitution, in day-to-day administration, in legislation, in foreign policy andabove all in bringing about the all-round development ofthe State.Knowledge of political science is made use of by statesmen, diplomats, politicians, administrators, and socialleaders to achieve their objectives.


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Man as a political animalIn his actions he is directly or indirectlyinvolved in politics. Politics is a universal

activityA citizen encounters politics in the govt.of a country, town, school, church,business form, trade union, club,

political party, civic associations and ahost of other organizationsOne of the unavoidable facts of humanexistence

Significance of PoliticalScience


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Imparts Knowledge with regard to state, govt, and a host of otherpol institutions and processes.Politically enlightened people can play useful role in political affairsIt makes men politically conscious an essential condition forsuccessful working of democracy

Eternal vigilance is the price of libertyIt makes people alert and conscious about their rights andresponsibilitiesA well informed electorate with sound knowledge of political scienceis vigilant, responsive and provides the best safeguard against thearbitrary rule and despotic tendency of the governmentCan make political participation meaningfulIt can develop a sense of political participation in the affairs of thestate if he is intellectually equipped with knowledge of theinstitutions, processes and functions

High Educative Value


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Helps Achieve ConstructivePolitical Progress

If governance can be shaped and improved through positivehuman effort, then no study is more valuable than politicalscience.It lays down the principles which need to be followed in theconduct of public affairs.

Statesman, politicians, legislators, administrators anddiplomats all political practitioners require a sound knowledgeof political scienceThey can make practical application of the knowledge ofpolitical science in their respective fields

Where there is practice, there should be theory study ofpolitical 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 andadministrators.


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Helps Bring Social ChangeUnderstanding of politics and political participation inrevolutionary politics go a long way in bringing about muchneeded change in the society.Study of political science tells us about different ideologies andhelps us formulate our own ideas.

It helps maintain a balance between rights and liberties of theindividual and the authority of the state.Knowledge of Pol. Sc. helps determine the boundary offreedom 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 narrowbounds of parochialism, regionalism, etc.Aims at a just world order characterized by peacefulcoexistence, and a high degree of understanding andcooperation among states.


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1. nature & significance of pol. science

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