In this article you will learn about the Nature of Political Science.
Is Political Science a Science?
Every social discipline which studies a particular social aspect - political, economic, or cultural, has to face a question : Is it a Science? Politics is a social discipline and naturally it also faces this question. The answer to it has been given differently by different scholars.
Some scholars say that Politics is not a science, instead it is art because it has neither exactness or the ability of prediction-making. Others hold that Politics is a science because it uses a scientific method for the acquisition of knowledge of Politics. The differences in their views have been largely due to the different ways in which each of them defines Science.
Traditionally, Science stands defined as a subject characterised by predictability and exactness. Since Politics do not have these features, it cannot be characterised as a science. However, the modern view of Science conceptualises science as system study leading to the determination of objective, valid and tested conclusions. By taking this definition, Politics qualifies to be accepted as Science because it also uses scientific method of study.
Let us discuss both the traditional and modern views regarding the nature of Politics.
Traditional view : Political Science is not a Science
Several scholars like August Compte, Buckle and Maitland have traditionally held the view that Politics through often called Political Science is not a science. They categorically hold that Politics is not a science and it cannot claim to be a science on any ground. In the words of Buckle : “Politics, far from being a science, is one of the most backward of all the arts.” Maitland says, “When I see a good set of Examination questions headed by the word Political Science, I reject not the questions but the title.” (Because he also held the view that Political Science is not a science.)
These traditional scholars define Science as a body of exact knowledge of a field on the basis of which predictions can be made. “Science is a body of exact principles or knowledge, capable of explaining every relevant phenomenon in the selected field, and so invariable and uniform that it should be possible to make predictions on their basis.” Predictability and Exactness constitute the two fundamental properties of science. These qualities are found in natural sciences like Chemistry and Physics but these do not characterise Politics. Therefore, Politics is not a science.
Arguments in support of the view that Political Science is not a Science
1. Lack of Agreed Principles of Political Science : There are no agreed principles in Political Science/Politics. Scholars have different views even regarding its definition, meaning and scope. If Politics had been a science it would have got within its fold a set of definite and agreed principles. So Politics cannot be accepted as a science.
2. Lack of Exactness : Political Science lacks exactness because it does not provide exact knowledge about State, Government and other institutions and processes of Politics. Science stands for exactness in the knowledge of the field. Whereas Politics does not provide any exact knowledge. So again it cannot be admitted as a science.
3. Prediction-making is not possible in Politics : The main and real quality of science is its ability to predict. A scientist can make exact and valid predictions in Physics, Astro-Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy and others. However, in Political Science little definite predictions are possible. The law-makers cannot predict the success of laws and orders. The people cannot predict the action or behaviour of their representatives. Likewise election results cannot be really predicted. Due to all these weaknesses, Politics is neither a science nor can it become a real science either in future.
4. Non-operation of the Law of Cause and Effect : In the sphere of science, the law of effect and cause is always present. The same causes lead to the same effects. Whenever Potassium Chlorate is heated it gives Oxygen, and when we add Manganese Dioxide to it, this process becomes faster. The properties of Oxygen stand predicted beyond quieres. Some causes do not lead to the same effects in Politics. In some states poverty acts as a cause of revolution whereas in others it leads to stagnation in social life. As such the law of effect and cause, which is a basic feature of Science, is non-operative in Politics.
5. Experiments are not possible in Political Science : In science, say Physics, the scientists can prove their conclusions or prove the validity of the laws of Physics by conducting various experiments in their laboratories. Experiments under controlled conditions can be conducted in science and the validity of its conclusions can be proved also. However, in Politics, experimentation is not possible. The validity of so-called laws of Politics cannot be determined through experiments. Arguments for and against can be given but no specific conclusions can be made. Even though conclusions are reached, there is always a lack of agreement behind them.
On the basis of these above arguments, several scholars advocate the view that Political Science is not a Science. They observe that it is the art of government, philosophy of state and theory of political institutions. And it is not a science of Politics because it lacks exactness and predictability.
Modern view : Political Science is a Science
Against the traditional view that Politics is not a Science, the modern view holds that Political Science is a Science. Modern scientists reject the traditional definition of science. Science does not stand for predictability, exactness and experimentation. On the other hand Science means systematic acquisition of knowledge. It includes a use of systematic methods of study. “Science is systematic knowledge relating to an area acquired by systematic classification, observation and analysis of data.” It is proved that any discipline which uses systematic method of study i.e. scientific method of study, qualifies to be treated as a science. Since Politics admits systematic methods of study, and since its study includes a systematic acquisition of knowledge, Political Science is a science.
This article on Nature of Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.