Introduction to Political Science
“When I see a set of questions titled “Political Science”, I regret, not the questions but the title!!” – Maitland.
Political Science is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline that explores the intricacies of power, governance, and human societies. Often described as the “master science” by ancient thinkers like Aristotle, who famously called humans “social animals” (or zoon politikon in Greek), it delves into how individuals and groups organize themselves to make collective decisions, resolve conflicts, and pursue common goals. At its core, Political Science seeks to understand the structures, processes, and behaviors that shape political life, from local communities to global arenas. Whether you’re a student embarking on this journey or an educator preparing to inspire others, this introduction will outline the essence of the field, its key components, and its enduring relevance.
Meaning and Definition
Political Science is the systematic study of politics, which encompasses the exercise of power, the formation of governments, and the interactions between states, institutions, and citizens. It draws from philosophy, history, economics, sociology, and law to analyze how societies function and evolve. Unlike casual discussions of current events, Political Science employs rigorous methods—such as empirical research, theoretical frameworks, and comparative analysis—to uncover patterns and predict outcomes.
The discipline traces its roots to ancient civilizations. In India, for instance, texts like the Arthashastra by Kautilya (circa 300 BCE) provided early insights into statecraft, diplomacy, and administration, emphasizing pragmatic governance. In the West, Plato’s The Republic and Aristotle’s Politics laid foundational ideas about justice, citizenship, and the ideal state. Over centuries, thinkers like Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx have expanded these ideas, influencing modern concepts of democracy, sovereignty, and revolution.
Definition
Here are 10 definitions of Political Science by eminent scholars, presented as direct quotes:
- “Political Science is the study of the state.” – Aristotle[1]
- “Political Science is the study of who gets what, when, and how.” – Harold Lasswell[1]
- “Political Science is the authoritative allocation of values for a society.” – David Easton[1]
- “Political Science deals with the governance and organization of society through laws and social contracts.” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau[1]
- “Political Science is the study of the distribution and exercise of power within a given social order.” – Max Weber[1]
- “Political Science is that part of social science which treats the foundations of the State and the principles of government.” – Paul Janet[2]
- “Political Science begins and ends with the state.” – James Wilford Garner[2][3]
- “The study of shaping and sharing of power.” – Harold D. Lasswell and Abraham Kaplan[4]
- ”Political Science deals with Government “ Leacock
Nature of Political Science
Political science is a social science discipline that systematically examines the theory and practice of politics, focusing on the allocation of power, governance structures, and human behavior in political contexts[4][6][7]. At its core, it encompasses both normative and empirical approaches, analyzing concepts like justice, authority, and democracy while addressing real-world phenomena such as state formation, government functions, and international relations, making it interdisciplinary and dynamic in nature[1][5][8]. Traditionally viewed as the study of the state and its institutions, political science has evolved to include broader elements like political socialization, conflict resolution, and policy analysis, blending scientific methods with philosophical inquiry to understand and predict political outcomes[1][10][14]. This dual nature—part art in its interpretive aspects and part science in its empirical rigor—allows it to adapt to changing societal contexts, from historical theories by thinkers like Aristotle to contemporary global issues[2][3][6].
Political Science as both science and art
| Aspect | Argument | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Political science employs systematic methods like observation, experimentation, and data analysis to collect and organize facts. | Using surveys and statistical models to predict election outcomes based on voter behavior patterns. |
| Science | It develops empirical theories that can be tested and verified through evidence. | Analyzing cause-and-effect relationships, such as how economic inequality contributes to social unrest and revolutions. |
| Science | The discipline aims for objectivity and predictive power in understanding political phenomena. | Forecasting international conflicts by studying historical patterns of alliances and power balances. |
| Science | It uses established frameworks and quantitative tools for structured analysis. | Applying game theory to model negotiations between countries in trade disputes. |
| Art | Political science involves subjective interpretation and creativity in analyzing human behavior and political events. | Interpreting the motivations behind a leader’s decisions during a crisis, drawing on cultural and historical contexts. |
| Art | It requires practical application of knowledge to create effective political strategies and order. | Designing campaign messages that resonate emotionally with voters to influence public opinion. |
| Art | The field embraces complexity and multiple perspectives, similar to artistic expression. | Crafting policies that balance diverse societal values, like in multicultural democracies addressing immigration. |
| Art | It is influenced by cultural and contextual factors, allowing for adaptive and innovative approaches. | Adapting governance models to fit unique national traditions, such as blending democratic principles with local customs in post-colonial states. |
Sources
[1] Is Political Scince A Science or Art | PDF https://www.scribd.com/document/469577888/IS-POLITICAL-SCINCE-A-SCIENCE-OR-ART-docx
[2] Political Science Degree Bridging Gap Between Arts And … https://manavrachna.edu.in/blog/political-science-degree-bridging-the-gap-between-arts-and-social-sciences
[3] Arguments For and Against Political Science as an Art https://www.studocu.com/en-us/messages/question/13675518/give-arguments-for-and-against-is-political-science-an-art
[4] Political science is science or not | DOCX https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/political-science-is-science-or-not/61352153
[5] Is Political Science, a Science or an Art? https://www.brainkart.com/article/Is-Political-Science,-a-Science-or-an-Art-_34254/
[6] “Politics is the art of the possible . ” Similarly, “Science is … https://www.doubtnut.com/qna/415572056
[7] Is Politics an Art or Science? : r/PoliticalScience https://www.reddit.com/r/PoliticalScience/comments/1na3859/is_politics_an_art_or_science/
[8] Political Analysis is Art As Well As Science – Justified https://www.politicalsciencenotes.com/articles/political-analysis-is-art-as-well-as-science-justified/606
Sources for Nature of Political Science
[1] Nature and Scope of Political Science https://patnawomenscollege.in/upload/e-content/Nature%20and%20Scope%20of%20Political%20Science.pdf
[2] Nature of Political science https://www.iilsindia.com/study-material/294775_1609691353.pdf
[3] politica l theory https://rgu.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/BAPOL201.pdf
[4] Political science https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_science
[5] Nature and Scope of Political Science https://salbaricollege.ac.in/upload/dept_study_material/1755234627.pdf
[6] Political Science: Meaning, History, Career Scope & More https://jgu.edu.in/blog/2024/02/20/what-is-political-science/
[7] Nature Of Political Science Definition, Theory, And Scope https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/nature-political-science-definition-theory-scope-kfizc
[8] Political Theory: Meaning, Nature and Importance https://dennana.in/2025/03/20/political-theory-meaning-nature-and-importance/
[9] Nature and Scope of Political Science | PPTX https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/nature-and-scope-of-political-science-45524921/45524921
[10] Meaning, Nature, Scopes, And Importance [7points] https://schoolofpoliticalscience.com/meaning-nature-and-scope-of-political-science/
[11] BA-1ST(Political Science)-Political Theory.pdf https://tripurauniv.ac.in/site/images/pdf/StudyMaterialsDetail/BA-1ST(Political%20Science)-Political%20Theory.pdf
[12] What is Political Science? https://www.polisci.washington.edu/what-political-science
[13] Political Science – Meaning, Definition, Nature, Scope, … https://www.studocu.com/in/document/institute-of-law-and-research-faridabad/introduction-to-political-science/political-science-meaning-definition-nature-scopeorigin-importance/32830059
[14] Political science | Fields, History, Theories, & Facts https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-science
[15] Meaning, Nature and Scope of Political Science https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXWk2KamygE
[16] MEANING AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/sr.%20secondary%20political%20science.pdf
Sources for Defination
[1] Meaning, Nature, and Scope of Political Science – PoliticaQnA https://politicaqna.com/meaning-nature-and-scope-of-political-science/
[2] [PDF] Nature and Scope of Political Science – Patna Women’s College https://patnawomenscollege.in/upload/e-content/Nature%20and%20Scope%20of%20Political%20Science.pdf
[3] PSIR Quotebook https://products.politicsforindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PSIR-Quotebook-Sample.pdf
[4] MEANING AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE – Drishti IAS https://www.drishtiias.com/images/pdf/sr.%20secondary%20political%20science.pdf
[5] 100 famous quotes in political theory https://politicsbyrk.com/100-famous-quotes-in-political-theory/
[6] Political science | Fields, History, Theories, & Facts | Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/political-science
[7] [PDF] Definitions of Political Science https://www.iilsindia.com/study-material/143617_1609691198.pdf
[8] Political Science: Meaning, History, Career Scope & More – The Blog https://jgu.edu.in/blog/2024/02/20/what-is-political-science/
[9] PSIR 217) Important Quotes Compilation for Political Science & IR https://www.studocu.com/in/document/university-of-delhi/political-science/217-sarkari-professor-psir-quote-kit/107020761
[10] Political science – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_science
[11] Political Science Quotes https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/political-science
[12] Famous Quotes on Politics: TOK Optional Themes https://buytokessay.com/blog/famous-quotes-on-politics/