Definition and importance of political science

Ontology in Political Science

Purpose of the Article

• Clarify the purpose of ontology in political science.

• Highlight the inseparability of ontological assumptions from institutional, disciplinary, or normative concerns.

• Show the relevance of ontological reflexivity.

Misconceptions in Literature

• Ontological reflexivity is critical for political scientists but is often seen as complex and confusing.

• Some view ontology as pretentious or muddled, leading to skepticism about its importance.

Defining Ontology

First-Order vs. Second-Order Political Science

• First-Order Political Science: Focuses on explaining political events (e.g., "What caused x?").

• Second-Order Political Science: Examines how political scientists conceptualize politics.

• Second-order questions analyze existing explanations and approaches rather than actual political phenomena.

Role of Ontology

• Ontology should be viewed as the assumptions about political reality that inform explanations.

• It should not merely describe the world ‘as it actually is’ but as it is assumed by political scientists.

• Ontological assumptions are vital for constructing parsimonious or complex explanations according to the research approach.

Epistemological and Methodological Links

• Ontological assumptions are intertwined with epistemological and methodological decisions.

• Directional dependence model: Ontological assumptions precede epistemological and methodological decisions.

• Making simplified assumptions about social reality facilitates generating generalizable explanations.

Influence of External Factors

• Epistemological decisions influenced by funding, regulatory bodies, and academic norms shape ontological assumptions.

• Political scientists often prioritize practical outcomes over deep ontological considerations due to constraints of the discipline.

Case Studies

Miliband and Poulantzas Debate

• Different ontological assumptions impact political interpretations (e.g., state as neutral vs. intrinsically capitalist).

• The debate showcases the link between normative aspirations and ontological choices.

Conclusion

• Ontological foundations are not merely rationalizations for political beliefs but are influenced by broader academic and political contexts.

• Future literature should focus on the role of ontological assumptions in explaining political phenomena.