UNIT 1 — POLITICAL SCIENCE AS A DISCIPLINE

I PUC Political Science | Government of Karnataka

"A civilisation can be protected only by political science." — George Bernard Shaw

1. Meaning of Political Science

The term Political Science is derived from the Greek word 'Polis' meaning 'city-states'. Greek
philosophers studied politics as the science of city-states and their administration, both in theory and
practice.
Aristotle was the first to consider political science as an absolute science. Hence, Fredrick Pollock said:
'The study of political science begins with Aristotle.'

1.1 Origin & Historical Background

• Ancient Indian works (Arthashastra by Kautilya, Neethisara by Kamandaka, Rigveda,
Yajurveda, Manusmrithi) contain references to state administration but focused more on religion
than politics.
• The scientific study of political science was developed by Greek philosophers.
• Socrates (470–399 BC): Contributed through dialogues.
• Plato (427–347 BC): Wrote 'The Republic', emphasizing political views.
• Aristotle (384–322 BC): Wrote 'The Politics'; made political science realistic and scientific; called
'Father of Political Science'.
• Machiavelli of Italy: Added new dimensions through his work 'The Prince'.
• Socrates, Plato & Aristotle are known as the 'Greek Philosopher Trio'.

1.2 The Term 'Political Science'

• Called 'Politics' by Aristotle, 'Science of State' by Gettell, 'Science of Politics' by Fredrick
Pollock.
• First used by Goudwin and Merry Walstone Craft.
• The term 'Political Science' was formally accepted at the UNESCO International Political
Scientists Conference, Paris, 1948.

2. Definitions of Political Science

Political science investigates the phenomena of government as

Sir John Seeley Political Economy deals with wealth, Biology with life, Algebra with
numbers and Geography with space and magnitude.

Prof. Garner The study of political science begins and ends with the State.
 Political science is that part of social science which treats of the
Paul Janet
foundations of the state and principles of government.

Political science deals with the origin, development, purpose and all
Garries
political problems of state.

Catalin Political science is the study of the political activities of human beings.

CONCLUSION: Political science is the study of state, government, and the political activities of
human beings in an organized society.

3. Nature of Political Science

Aristotle said: 'Man by nature is a social animal.' Society requires a regulating organization — the
STATE — which functions through its agency — the GOVERNMENT.
Man's conflicting, jealous, selfish, and quarrelsome nature needs regulation through laws. The state
enacts and enforces these laws through the government.

3.1 Is Political Science a Science?

There are three views on this:

A) Arguments AGAINST Political Science being a Science:

1. No consensus among thinkers on subject matter, methods, or generalizations.
2. Political theories lack universally accepted definitions (e.g., Democracy, Communism, Socialism
have no uniform definitions).
3. Difficulty in conducting controlled experiments; no measuring rod.
4. Exact predictions are not possible as it deals with human beings.
5. Unable to arrive at definite and precise conclusions.

B) Arguments FOR Political Science being a Science:

6. Follows scientific method: Observation → Data Collection → Classification → Analysis →
Interpretation & Conclusion. (Example: voting behavior study)
7. Experimentation is possible — the world is a laboratory. (E.g., Russian Revolution 1917,
Aristotle studied 158 constitutions)
8. Prediction is possible via pre-poll and exit-poll surveys.
9. Public opinion during government tenure is measured in elections (serves as a measuring rod).
10. Universal truths can be derived — e.g., French Revolution (1789): Liberty, Equality & Fraternity.

C) Political Science is also an Art:

It involves continuous refinement — good governance, able administration, welfare state principles,
popular judgments all demonstrate political science as an art.
CONCLUSION: Political Science is an inexact science AND an art.

4. Scope of Political Science

'Scope' refers to the boundary or province of a subject. Three views exist:
• Study of the STATE only (Garries, Garner, Goodnow, Bluntschli)
• Study of the GOVERNMENT only (Sir John Seeley, Stephen Leacock, Robson)
• Study of BOTH State and Government — universally accepted view (H.J. Laski, Gettell,
Gilchrist, Paul Janet)

4.1 UNESCO Division of Political Science (Paris, 1948)

Division What it Studies

1. Political Origin & evolution of states; views, ideologies & theories of political
Theory philosophers; Democracy, Socialism, Communism, Individualism,
Liberalism, Utilitarianism.
2. Political Forms of governments, constitutions, organization & functioning of
Institutions government at various levels; comparative study of constitutions.
3. Political Origin, formation, organization & functions of political parties; elections,
Parties pressure groups, electorate, citizen participation in public administration.
4. Foreign policies; international law; UNO, Commonwealth; war & peace;
International international treaties; diplomacy; International Court of Justice.
Relations

5. Relevance of Political Science in the Contemporary World

Robert Dahl: 'Politics is inevitable for the existence of humankind.' Kautilya gave political science a very
significant place in 'Arthashastra'.

# Point of Relevance Explanation

1 Political Awareness In a democracy, people are both rulers and ruled. Study of
political science enables citizens to elect best representatives
and understand democratic principles.
2 Knowledge of State & Helps understand origin, evolution, aims, elements and
Government responsibilities of the state; organization and functions of
government.
3 Knowledge of Political Enables understanding of Democracy, Socialism, Marxism,
Theories Nazism, Fascism etc., and their historical circumstances and
 impact.
4 Comparative Politics Helps understand different constitutions and governments
worldwide, enabling citizens to assess the best system.
5 Training to Politicians Provides detailed information on framing laws, implementing
government plans and legislative responsibilities.
6 Regulates Misuse of Helps citizens control government activities; makes them
Power aware of their responsibilities in a welfare state.
7 Promotes Good Develops qualities like humanity, tolerance, sacrifice,
Culture discretion; builds good citizens and nation-builders.
8 Knowledge of Provides awareness of constitutional organization, powers,
Constitution functions, and its role in fulfilling people's aspirations.
9 Rights and Duties Helps understand that rights and duties are two sides of the
same coin; encourages duty-consciousness.
1 Guidance to Civil service (4th organ of government) can discharge duties
0 Bureaucrats effectively with knowledge of public administration.
1 International Creates awareness of world politics, international law,
1 Relations international organizations; removes narrow nationalism.
1 Builds a Better World Makes people vigilant, cooperative, tolerant, and democratic;
2 paves way for a better future.
6. Key Terms & Keywords

The study of the state, government, and political activities of human

Political Science
beings in an organized society.

Greek word meaning 'city-states'; root word of the term 'politics' and
Polis
'political science'.

Small self-governing units in ancient Greece (e.g., Sparta, Athens,

City-States Macedonia, Stagira). Direct democracy practiced in Sparta; indirect
democracy in Athens.

Father of Political Aristotle (384–322 BC) — wrote 'The Politics', studied 158
Science constitutions, called political science the 'Supreme Science'.

Greek Philosopher Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle — the three foundational Greek political
Trio philosophers.

A politically organized people in a definite territory with sovereignty and

State
government.

The machinery/agency of the state; consists of Legislature (makes

Government
laws), Executive (enforces laws), Judiciary (interprets laws).

A modern state that provides basic requirements to all people from

Welfare State
cradle to grave, expanding the scope of political science.

The boundary or province of a subject. The scope of political science

Scope includes the study of the State, Government, Political Theories,
Political Institutions, Parties, and International Relations.

The supreme power of the state; what differentiates the state from
Sovereignty
other associations.

A political system where people govern themselves directly or through

Democracy elected representatives; origin of democracy gave political science
widespread importance.
 International political scientists conference held in Paris under
UNESCO
UNESCO; formally approved the term 'Political Science' and divided its
Conference 1948
subject matter into 4 areas.

Ancient Indian political treatise by Kautilya; one of the earliest works

Arthashastra
on statecraft and political science.

Work by Italian thinker Machiavelli; added a new dimension to the

The Prince
study of political science in modern times.

The Republic Plato's famous work expressing his political views.

Aristotle's greatest work, based on a study of 158 constitutions;

The Politics
foundation of scientific political science.

International One of the four areas of political science — studies foreign policies,
Relations international law, UNO, diplomacy, war and peace among nations.
 QUESTION BANK WITH ANSWERS

I. One Mark Questions & Answers

Question Answer
1. Who is the 'Father of Political Science'? Aristotle
2. Who studied political science first Aristotle
scientifically?
3. Name the book written by Aristotle. 'The Politics'
4. Name any one city-state of Ancient Athens (or Sparta / Macedonia / Stagira)
Greece.
5. What is political science? The study of state, government and the political
activities of human beings in an organized
society.
6. Who said that political science is a Aristotle
supreme science?
7. Who said 'Man is a social animal'? Aristotle
8. How many constitutions did Aristotle 158 constitutions
study before writing 'The Politics'?
9. Which is the root word of politics? 'Polis' (Greek)
10. What is the meaning of the word 'Polis'? City-states

II. Two Marks Questions & Answers

1. Define Political Science.

According to Prof. Garner: 'The study of political science begins and ends with the State.' It is the
systematic study of state, government, and political activities of human beings.

2. Name the divisions of the scope of political science.

• Political Theory
• Political Institutions
• Political Parties
• International Relations

3. What is the subject matter of political science?

The study of the state, government, and political activities of human beings in organized society. The
UNESCO Conference (Paris, 1948) formalized this into Political Theory, Political Institutions, Political
Parties, and International Relations.

4. How is man a social animal?

According to Aristotle, man by nature is a social animal. He cannot live alone; he needs society to fulfill
his needs and live happily. A person who cannot live in society must be either a beast or God.

5. What is the scope of political science?

It refers to the boundary of its study — including the state, government, political theories, political
institutions, parties, and international relations. The universally accepted view is that it covers both the
State and Government.

6. Write about Greek city-states.

Greek city-states (Polis) were small self-sufficient units surrounded by hills, valleys, rivers, and lakes.
Due to lack of transportation, they met their own needs. Main city-states: Sparta, Athens, Macedonia,
Stagira. Sparta practised direct democracy; Athens practised indirect democracy.

7. In which ancient Indian works do we find references to state administration?

• Arthashastra by Kautilya
• Neethisara by Kamandaka
• Rigveda, Yajurveda, Shukraneethisara, Manusmrithi

8. When and where was the International Political Science Conference held?
The International Political Science Conference was held in Paris in 1948, under the aegis of UNESCO.
It formally accepted and approved the term 'Political Science'.

9. Who are called the Greek Philosopher Trio?

Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are called the 'Greek Philosopher Trio'.

III. Five Marks Questions & Answers

1. Discuss the evolution of political science.

Political science has ancient roots. In India, Kautilya's Arthashastra and Kamandaka's Neethisara
addressed statecraft, though with a religious focus. In Greece, Socrates contributed through dialogues;
Plato through 'The Republic'; and Aristotle through 'The Politics' (studying 158 constitutions). Aristotle
scientifically founded political science and called it the 'Supreme Science'. He is regarded as the 'Father
of Political Science'. In modern times, Machiavelli of Italy added new dimensions through 'The Prince'.
The subject gained mass relevance with the rise of democracy in the modern era. Max Weber gave
political science a distinct position among social sciences. The UNESCO Conference in Paris (1948)
formalized the term and subject divisions.
2. Explain the nature of political science.
The nature of political science can be understood from three angles:
(a) Science: It uses observation, data collection, classification, analysis, and interpretation (e.g., voting
behavior). Experimentation is possible using the world as a laboratory (Russian Revolution 1917,
Aristotle's study of constitutions). Prediction is possible through polls. Universal truths can be derived
(e.g., French Revolution's principle of Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
(b) Not a Science: No universal definitions, no measuring rod, no precise predictions, no consensus on
subject matter. Terms like Democracy and Communism lack uniform definitions.
(c) Art: Political science involves continuous refinement — good governance, successful leadership,
welfare state practices all show it is an art.
Conclusion: Political science is an inexact science AND an art.

3. Explain the scope of political science.

The scope refers to the subject matter studied in political science. Three views exist: study of state
only, study of government only, or study of both (universally accepted).
The UNESCO Conference (Paris, 1948) divided the scope into:
• Political Theory: Origin and evolution of states; political ideologies.
• Political Institutions: Forms of government, constitutions, and their comparative study.
• Political Parties: Parties, elections, public opinion, pressure groups.
• International Relations: Foreign policy, international law, UNO, war, peace, diplomacy.
The scope has widened because modern states are welfare states with greater responsibilities.

4. Is Political Science a science? Explain.

Arguments AGAINST: No consensus on subject matter or methods; no universal definitions; difficulty in
experimentation; no measuring rod; predictions not always possible.
Arguments FOR: Follows scientific method (observation, data collection, classification, analysis,
conclusion); world serves as a laboratory (Russian Revolution 1917; study of 158 constitutions); exit
polls enable prediction; elections serve as measuring rod; universal truths derivable (French
Revolution).
Conclusion: Political Science IS a science, though not an exact science. It is an inexact social science.

5. Is Political Science an art? Explain.

Art involves continuous effort, practice, and refinement toward a specific goal. In political science:
• Good governance and able administration reflect the art of ruling.
• Successful leadership requires skill, judgment, and experience.
• The concept of welfare state requires artful planning and implementation.
• Popular judgments and legislation require the practitioner's skill.
Conclusion: Political Science is definitely an art, as it demands skill, practice, and continuous
refinement in managing state affairs.

IV. Ten Marks Questions & Answers

1. Explain the nature and scope of political science.
NATURE: Political science is both a science and an art.
As a Science: It follows scientific methods — observation of political phenomena (e.g., voting behavior),
data collection, classification of data, analysis, and interpretation. The world itself is a laboratory (e.g.,
Russian Revolution 1917 proved that conflict between 'haves' and 'have-nots' leads to proletariat
government; Aristotle studied 158 constitutions). Pre-poll and exit-poll surveys allow predictions. Public
opinion measured through elections serves as a measuring rod. Universal truths can be derived
(French Revolution: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity).
As an Art: It requires continuous refinement. Good governance, able administration, successful
leadership, welfare state planning, and popular judgments all make political science an art.
However, some argue it is NOT a science because it lacks universal definitions (terms like Democracy,
Socialism have different meanings), no precise measuring tools, difficult experimentation, and
predictions are not always accurate.
SCOPE: The scope of political science as defined by UNESCO (Paris, 1948) includes: (1) Political
Theory — origin, evolution of states, political ideologies like Democracy, Socialism, Communism,
Individualism, Liberalism, Utilitarianism. (2) Political Institutions — forms of government, constitutions,
their organization and comparative study. (3) Political Parties — origin, formation, organization,
elections, pressure groups, public opinion, citizen participation. (4) International Relations — foreign
policy, international law, UNO, diplomacy, war and peace, International Court of Justice.
As modern states evolve into welfare states with greater responsibilities, the scope of political science
has also widened.

2. Explain the relevance of the study of political science in the contemporary world.
Robert Dahl said 'Politics is inevitable for the existence of humankind.' The relevance of political
science in today's world is as follows:
11. Inculcates Political Awareness: In a democracy, people are both rulers and ruled. Political
science educates citizens about democratic principles, procedures, and the administrative
machinery.
12. Imparts Knowledge of State and Government: People understand the origin, evolution, aims,
elements, and responsibilities of the state; and the organization and functions of government.
13. Helps Acquire Knowledge of Political Theories: Enables understanding of Democracy,
Socialism, Marxism, Nazism, Fascism — their origin, emergence, and impact (e.g., French
Revolution 1789, Russian Revolution 1917, decline of communism after 1990).
14. Extends Knowledge of Comparative Politics: Helps understand different constitutions and
governments of the world; enables assessment of the best system.
15. Provides Training to Politicians: Equips representatives with knowledge of law-making,
government plans, and legislative responsibilities.
16. Regulates Misuse of Power: Citizens can check government activities; political science makes
them aware of their role in a welfare state.
17. Promotes Good Culture: Develops qualities of humanity, tolerance, sacrifice, and discretion —
creating good citizens and nation-builders.
18. Provides Knowledge of the Constitution: Creates awareness of constitutional organization,
powers, functions, and its role in fulfilling citizens' aspirations.
19. Develops Knowledge about Rights and Duties: Rights (privileges from the state) and duties
(service to the nation) are two sides of the same coin; political science enables understanding of
both.
20. Renders Guidance to Bureaucrats: Civil service (4th organ of government) can effectively
implement plans with political science knowledge; this is the backbone of government.
 21. Creates Awareness of International Relations: Enlightens about world politics, international law,
organizations; removes narrow nationalism and promotes world peace.
22. Builds a Better World: Creates vigilant, cooperative, tolerant, and democratic citizens; paves the
way for a better future.

3. Is Political Science a science or an art? Explain.

This question has been debated by many political thinkers:
AS A SCIENCE: Aristotle, Bodin, Hobbes, Machiavelli, Montesquieu, Lewis, Bluntschli argue it is a
science. It follows scientific methods: Observation → Data Collection → Classification → Analysis →
Conclusion (e.g., voting behavior study). World is a laboratory (Russian Revolution 1917; Aristotle
studied 158 constitutions; B.N. Rao's comparative constitutional study). Exit polls allow prediction.
Elections serve as a measuring rod. Universal truths derived (French Revolution's Liberty, Equality,
Fraternity).
NOT A SCIENCE (opposing view): J.S. Mill, Buckle, August Comte, Maitland, James Bryce argue it is
not a science. Buckle said: 'Politics is one of the most backward of all arts.' Reasons: No consensus on
subject matter; no universal definitions; difficult experimentation; no precise measuring rod; predictions
not always possible.
AS AN ART: Political science requires continuous refinement and practice. Good governance, able
administration, successful leadership, welfare state planning, popular judgments — all demonstrate the
art dimension.
CONCLUSION: Political Science is an inexact science AND an art. It is not a pure natural science like
Physics or Chemistry, but applies scientific methods to human political behavior. At the same time, the
skill involved in governance makes it an art.

I PUC Political Science — Unit 1 Notes | Department of Pre-University Education, Karnataka | 2018–19