In this article you will learn about the Scope of Political Theory in Political Science.
Scope of Political Theory
Political Theory is the first and foremost dimension of Political Science because the study of Politics always begins with a study of Political Thought and Political Theory. The scope of Political Theory extends to the study of a large number of traditional as well as modern theories, concepts and approaches.
We can briefly discuss the scope of Political Theory as follows :
Study of State
State has been the main focus of study in Political Science. Some scholars, like Garner, advocate and accept the view that Political Science begins and ends with the State. Study of origin, purpose, nature and functions of the State constitute the study of Political Science. It includes a study of the past, present and future of the State.
- Study of the State in the past : It includes a historical study of the origin and development of the State. Since the present nature and structure of the State has been the result of evolution, it is essential that we should study the past history of evolution or development of the State for understanding the present. The study of history of the State is made through a study of history of political thought that is the study of political ideas of all the major political thinkers from Aristotle to Laski.
- Study of the State at present : State is the sovereign institution of all the people who inhabit a particular portion of territory and are organised under a government or authority. Study of the objectives, functions, aims, and relations between the State and its people, constitute an important topic of study.
- Study of the State in future : The study of the past and present of the State is done to assess or foresee the future of State. The State has been developing and it is bound to develop in future.
Study of Government
Government is a very essential element of the State. Study of the State involves the study of the government of the state. Infact, the Government is that agent or agency of the State which exercises all the powers of the State. It formulates the will of State that is law-making function, enforces the laws that is executive function, and realises the will of the State through adjudication of disputes that is judicial function.
Study of Political Thought and Ideologies
The political philosophies of various political thinkers and ideologies and -isms like Utilitarianism, Idealism, Individualism, Democratic Socialism, Liberalism, Communism, Facism, Nazism and Gandhism are also parts of the subject matter of Political Science.
Study of all Political Systems
Politics includes the study of all political systems working in all States. It seeks to study all political systems, developed as well as underdeveloped or developing and western as well as non western.
Study of Man as a Political Being
Political science studies Man as a Political being same as economics studies as economic being. Man is a political animal and he is a group forming individual. He seeks power and forms his associations for securing and protecting his interests and for getting power. All human political relations, political organisations and political activities are studied in political theory.
This article on Scope of Political Theory in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.