POL101 LESSON 1

Fundamentals of Political Science

• Nature and Scope

  • Political Science as a discipline covers the analysis and understanding of political institutions, processes, and behavior.

What is Political Science?

• Old Definition:

  • Study of the state in all its elements, aspects, and relationships.

  • Includes government institutions, human behavior, and interactions in political societies.

• Modern Definition:

  • Systematic study of politics encompassing observations and research on political phenomena.

  • Distinct from political practice (politics) where politicians may also be political scientists.

Notable Political Scientists

• Niccolo Machiavelli

  • Served as the Secretary of the Republic of Florence.

  • Key works: The Prince and The Discourses.

  • Experienced factionalism leading to retirement from public office.

• Woodrow Wilson

  • Historian turned Political Scientist, later became U.S. President.

  • Notable works: Congressional Government and International Ideals addressing foreign policy dynamics.

Historical Context of Political Science

• Origins of Politics

  • Derives from the Greek word "polis" (city-state).

  • Aristotle described humans as inherently political beings ("man is a political animal").

• Political Authority

  • Relationships of rule and authority exist in social interactions (e.g., leader vs. followers).

The Concept of Politics

• Politics arises in human associations, governed by authority and rules.

• Not all organizations hold equal power; the State has sovereign authority through government institutions.

The Government

• Serves as the core of political activities.

• Comprises various institutions: executive, legislative, judiciary, and local governments.

Key Concepts in Political Science

• State:

  • An institutional setting for social life facilitated by political interaction.

  • Aims to resolve conflicts and pursue collective social goals.

• Political Parties & Interest Groups:

  • Political parties conduct criticism and promote engagement.

  • Interest groups may exert influence on policy (e.g., NGOs).

Expansive Nature of Politics

• Politics permeates all aspects of society, including labor unions and private organizations.

• Conflicts are inherent but not always necessary in politics.

Political Morality

• Good Politics vs. Bad Politics:

  • Ethical dilemmas in political behavior, with potential for both beneficial and harmful practices.

  • Example: Machiavelli's view on ruthless egoism.

Perception of Politics

• Politics is unavoidable and integral to democratic processes.

• Bernard Crick's Views:

  • Renouncing politics threatens the structure of civilized society, essential for order and diversity.

Political Science as a Discipline

• Nature of Political Science:

  • A comprehensive body of researched knowledge concerning states and institutions.

  • Established by Aristotle as the "father of political science" with a scientific approach to governance.

• Current Fields of Study:

  • Political Theory, Comparative Government, Public Law, International Relations, Public Administration, Political Dynamics.

Interdisciplinary Relationships

• Political Science intersects with numerous fields:

  • Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Economics, History, Geography, Philosophy.

Methodology in Political Science

• Employs methods such as:

  • Observational, Empirical, Historical, Comparative, Analytical.

Importance of Political Science

• Educates for citizenship, equipping individuals with knowledge of rights and responsibilities.

• Prepares students for careers in law, public administration, politics, and other related fields.