POLITICAL SCIENCE

ITS
NATURE AND SCOPE
 POLITICAL SCIENCE
 The term “Politics” is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means
‘city – state’. The great Greek political philosopher, Aristotle was the first
thinker to use the term ‘politics’.
 The political science is the branch of social sciences that control people,
elect leaders, opinion their voters and also help citizens to know their
responsibilities in the society is called political science
 Dr. Garner believes that-” Political science begins and ends with the
state”.
 It begins from the time of Aristotle and Plato, in ancient Greek. It was
introduced almost 2500 years ago.
 NATURE
 Aristotle:- “Man is by nature a political animal and he, who by nature
and not by mere accident is without a state, is either above humanity
or below it.”
 In Another word he says “ He, who is unable to live in society or who has
no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or
god.
 There are two different views on the nature of politics;

1. Politics is a science
2. Politics is not a science
 Politics is a science
 Politics can be studied in a systematic manners.
 It is said that experimentation is possible in politics.
 Political science like other sciences has absolute and universal laws.
 It is possible to make predictions in politics.

Politics is not a science.

 politics has no absolute and universal laws like physical sciences or
exact sciences.
 It does not observe the theory of cause and effect which is the basis of
all sciences.
 The subject of politics has not developed in steady, regular and
continuous manner.
 Scientific methods of observation and experimentation cannot be
applied to politics.
Scope of political science
1. A study of the State and Government:
Political Science primarily studies the problems of the State
and government. Political Science studies the activities of the State
and explains the aims and objectives of the State and government
2. A Study of Political Theory:
Political theory is a major branch of Political Science. It deals with
the definition and fundamental concepts of political science like state,
government, law, liberty, equality, justice and sovereignty. It also
includes the study of political philosophy.
3. A Study of Political Institutions:
It includes the study of political institutions, such as the state and
instrument through which it runs the government.
 4. A study of Political Dynamics:
The study of political dynamics has become significant in the 20th
century. It means the current forces at work in government and
politics. It includes the study of political parties, public opinion, pressure
groups, lobbies, etc.
 5. A study of International Relations and international law
It covers a wide range and includes diplomacy, international
politics, international law, international organizations like the Untied
Nations, etc. International Relations (IR) is the study of relationships
among countries. International relations draws intellectual materials
from the fields of technology, engineering, economics and history. The
States are the subjects of international law.