Sangkula, Alyzza Y.

PSC1101
Sec 3 Fundamentals of Political Science

A. Guided by our discussion, how would you classify the definition provided by De Leon & De
Leon? Traditional or Modern? Qualify your answer argumentatively.

“It is a systematic study of the government.”

The definition stated above is an example of a modern definition of Political Science, wherein I
will elaborate about in two points:

1. The traditional view of political science emphasizes the study of the state and
government. So, the traditional approach is centered on examining the activities of the
state, and its institutions and organs.

According to Sir Reynold Agnes as per the discussion, this also includes the human
behaviors that are emphasized on the institutions and practice of the government.

2. Political science, in a modern approach, goes beyond its traditional description.

In accordance to Ayson and Reyes (1993), the meaning of “systematic study of politics” explores
the systematic analysis to search deeper for possible concepts and principles in a baffling depth,
that will offer broader and more significance.

Therefore, the statement provided is inclined to the modern approach of political science
definition.

B. Heywood discussed the two broad approaches in defining politics (see page 3.) Politics can be
understood by arena or by processes. Which approach do you think would best describe De Leon
and De Leon’s definition of political science. Answer the question argumentatively.

There are two broad approaches indicated by Heywood A. from Politics 4th edition, these
are as stated: Politics as an arena or as a process.

Politics as an arena, in short, is centered within the state. As based on Politics and the
Political by Go, J. R. R., it states that this political view is limited to practices that revolve and
function inside the institution of the state. This opens the view of only being enclosed to the
state, the government, and the institutions; the other concepts apart from what is stated in this
view will have no political value.
 In a different aspect, politics as a process can take place in any, and likely all, social
contexts (Heywood, A., 2013). This supports the idea that politics is a process on the interaction
of people inside and outside a certain area.

Viewing politics as a process tackles the study of power relations: this indicates how
power is disseminated among the people and society, which also refers to the distribution of
scarce resources, and different statuses of power in the government.

Thus, “the systematic study of the government” definition of political science is a modern
approach, wherein also converts to the view of seeing politics as a process due to its vast study
field that goes beyond the traditional, and enclosed, perspective and definition of politics.

References

Ayson, F., & Reyes, D. (1993). Fundamentals of Political Science. Metro Manila: National
Bookstore, Inc.

Heywood. A,. (2913). Politics 4th Edition. New York: Palgrave Macmillan

Go, J. R. R., (2012). Politics and the Political. Retrieved from

https://jrrg.wordpress.com/2012/05/26/politics-and-the-political/