POL101 LESSON 2

Understanding Politics

What is Politics?

• A special field of interest interpreted differently based on perspective

  • Influenced by preferences, ideological orientation, class origin, social status, principles, ambition, interests, goals, mission, association, profession, and desires

Essential Elements of Politics

• Power, rule, authority, influence

• Forms: Democratic, autocratic, theocratic, authoritarian, consensual, or invasional

Is Politics an Art or a Science?

• Power exercised with intensity and urgency reflects noble causes (Thucydides, 12 century)

• Political art: selective recreation of reality based on experience, study, and observation

• Successful political maneuvering manifests as art when desired outcomes are achieved without reliance on power authority

Erap's Positive Persona

• Charisma and appeal, especially to the poor

• Excellent communication skills and humor

• Strong family responsibility

• Risk-taking and decisiveness

• Loyalty, patriotism, gratitude, and authenticity

Erap's Negative Persona

• Lack of moral compass and clear direction

• Insufficient analytical ability and empathy

• Issues with emotional control and violent tendencies

• Poor work habits and short attention span

What Makes Politics a Science?

• Political Science adheres to scientific logical methods for investigating reality

Meaning of Political Science

• Derived from Greek 'polis' (city/state) and Latin 'scire' (to know)

• Systematic study of state and government

Political Philosophers/Theorists

• Plato: Systematic analysis of politics, ideal society in "Republic"

• Aristotle: Empirical approach in "Politics" studying state origins and good citizenship

• Niccolo Machiavelli: Distinction of politics from ethics in "The Prince", advocacy for power over morality

Machiavelli's 10-Point Prescription for Political Leadership

1. Avoid despising and hatred

2. Balance being feared and loved

3. Trust in personal power over goodwill of others

4. Legislate and back laws with force

5. Imitate the cunning of the fox and the strength of the lion

6. Avoid reliance on mercenaries

7. Exercise prudence in understanding difficulties and making wise decisions.