INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
INTRODUCTION:
Political science is one of the oldest and most important subfield of
social science. It focuses on the study of politics, government, and
power—three factors that influence every person's life and every
civilization. Every element of human life is impacted by politics, from
the laws that dictate our behavior to the policies that establish our rights
and obligations. Aristotle, Plato, and other ancient Greek philosophers
saw politics as an admirable goal that was vital to the welfare of the
general population. Political science aids in our understanding of how
governments operate, how choices are made, and how power is allocated
to both individuals and organizations in the modern world.
Politics is not just about elections, politicians, or parliaments. It is about
how human beings organize themselves in societies, how they make
collective decisions, and how they resolve conflicts. Political science
provides a systematic way to study these processes. Understanding
political science therefore enables citizens to become more aware,
active, and responsible participants in their political systems.
DEFINITION OF POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE:
The term “politics” comes from the Greek word “polis” which means
city-state — the basic political unit of ancient Greece. Since then,
politics came to mean the activities, decisions, and institutions involved
in governing human communities.
, Politics can be understood in many ways — as the art of governance, the
struggle for power, the process of decision-making, or the pursuit of the
common good. Over time, many philosophers and political thinkers have
defined politics according to their own beliefs and perspectives.
Aristotle, also known as the “Father of Political Science”, emphasized
the role of politics in governing societies and achieving practical ends.
Again, Thomas Hobbes believed politics was the process through which
individuals create government to escape the chaos of the “state of
nature”. According to John Locke, politics is the “protection of natural
rights or the social contract”.
From politics comes political science. Political science is the social
scientific study of politics, governance, and power at all levels—local,
national, and international. It is a methodical field devoted to
understanding the operation and interactions of political institutions,
activities, ideas, and conduct. It also examines how power and authority
are distributed and exercised in society, how governments are formed
and function, and how citizens interact with political institutions.
Different philosophers and theorists have defined political science
according to their own beliefs, values, and the political conditions of
their times. Aristotle stated political science as the study of the state and
its purpose. He said, “Political science is the master science which deals
with the welfare of the state and its citizens.”
Again, Max Weber said, “The striving to share power or to influence
the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a
state.”
David Easton defined political science as, “The study of the
authoritative allocation of values for a society.”
INTRODUCTION:
Political science is one of the oldest and most important subfield of
social science. It focuses on the study of politics, government, and
power—three factors that influence every person's life and every
civilization. Every element of human life is impacted by politics, from
the laws that dictate our behavior to the policies that establish our rights
and obligations. Aristotle, Plato, and other ancient Greek philosophers
saw politics as an admirable goal that was vital to the welfare of the
general population. Political science aids in our understanding of how
governments operate, how choices are made, and how power is allocated
to both individuals and organizations in the modern world.
Politics is not just about elections, politicians, or parliaments. It is about
how human beings organize themselves in societies, how they make
collective decisions, and how they resolve conflicts. Political science
provides a systematic way to study these processes. Understanding
political science therefore enables citizens to become more aware,
active, and responsible participants in their political systems.
DEFINITION OF POLITICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE:
The term “politics” comes from the Greek word “polis” which means
city-state — the basic political unit of ancient Greece. Since then,
politics came to mean the activities, decisions, and institutions involved
in governing human communities.
, Politics can be understood in many ways — as the art of governance, the
struggle for power, the process of decision-making, or the pursuit of the
common good. Over time, many philosophers and political thinkers have
defined politics according to their own beliefs and perspectives.
Aristotle, also known as the “Father of Political Science”, emphasized
the role of politics in governing societies and achieving practical ends.
Again, Thomas Hobbes believed politics was the process through which
individuals create government to escape the chaos of the “state of
nature”. According to John Locke, politics is the “protection of natural
rights or the social contract”.
From politics comes political science. Political science is the social
scientific study of politics, governance, and power at all levels—local,
national, and international. It is a methodical field devoted to
understanding the operation and interactions of political institutions,
activities, ideas, and conduct. It also examines how power and authority
are distributed and exercised in society, how governments are formed
and function, and how citizens interact with political institutions.
Different philosophers and theorists have defined political science
according to their own beliefs, values, and the political conditions of
their times. Aristotle stated political science as the study of the state and
its purpose. He said, “Political science is the master science which deals
with the welfare of the state and its citizens.”
Again, Max Weber said, “The striving to share power or to influence
the distribution of power, either among states or among groups within a
state.”
David Easton defined political science as, “The study of the
authoritative allocation of values for a society.”
