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Meaning and Origins of Politics

The document discusses the origins and definitions of political science, tracing its roots to ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of democracy and moral leadership. It outlines the scientific method in political research and defines key elements of the state, including population, territory, sovereignty, government, and recognition. Additionally, it highlights the evolution of political science education in the Philippines, noting its development during the American period and its current status in the educational system.

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Kathlyne Jhayne
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16 views2 pages

Meaning and Origins of Politics

The document discusses the origins and definitions of political science, tracing its roots to ancient Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle, who emphasized the importance of democracy and moral leadership. It outlines the scientific method in political research and defines key elements of the state, including population, territory, sovereignty, government, and recognition. Additionally, it highlights the evolution of political science education in the Philippines, noting its development during the American period and its current status in the educational system.

Uploaded by

Kathlyne Jhayne
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MEANING OF POLITICS AND ITS BEGINNGING c.

Deals with experiments


d. Observation
The study of political science dates back to the time when several
thinkers from ancient Greece founded the concept of “democracy” Political Analysts tend to analyze merely “situations” as a part of the
among the city-states known as the polis. Aristotle, the Greek factual information. Therefore, the study of political science must be
philosopher posed that “man by nature is a political being” on the factual to be a good source of information.
other hand, his predecessor, Plato emphasized the 3 important
virtues: Scientific Method
Mind- leaders Political Science as a science is defined as “an academic discipline
Heart –soldiers which deals with the study of the state” (Valenzuela, 2016). In order to
Stomach- workers understand the methodologies used in scientific investigations,
“THE REPUBLIC”-Plato’s book which considered as the bible of ideal consider the following procedures:
politics. 1. Know or Identify the Problem
“THE POLITICS” - Aristotle’s work which states that a state must 2. Formulate Assumptions/ Hypothesis
survive in moderation. 3. Gather Data for the Study
Aristotle theory believes that a leader must be moral 4. Verify the data gathered
While Plato poses that a leader must be wise. 5. Define the research methodology
6. Present Findings based on the data
The word “politics” comes from the word “polis” meaning a Greek City 7. Summarize the findings, conclusions and recommendations.
state. The Greek Civilization reminded the modern generations that
most of the academic terms were invented that time. The word When the above-mentioned procedures are followed, then one can
“politics” in Political Science means “struggle for power” it means that conduct a “political research” that maybe implied as one of the basic
politics can be change the status quo of the state. Therefore, political applications in the field of political science. Political Research may be
science can be described as “the branch of social science which deals done to look for the solution to a political problem.
with the study of State and Government” (Valenzuela, 2016)
Political Science and State
Politics as a science One of the very important terms to understand is the ”state.
Political Science is defined as a “systematized body of knowledge According to Prof. Garner, the state is, “a community of persons more
based on facts which deals with experimentation and observation. or less numerous, permanently occupying portion of territory,
Based on the definition, there are elements to become a science: independent from external control and possessing a government
a. Body of knowledge which the great body of inhabitants render habitual obedience” (as
b. Based on facts
cited in Aruego’s book- Principle of Political Science). The definition
consists of 4 elements of the state: Study of Politics in the Philippines
1. Population
2. Territory There was no politics to speak of during the Spanish Period from
3. Sovereignty 1565-1898. The American Period when politics became one of the
4. Government popular “magic word” of the politicians that is still true to the present.
The study of politics in the Philippines in the words of Agpalo (1998)
On the other hand, modern political science considers as the states that the study of political science was founded at the University
“recognition as the 5th elements of the state. of the Philippines where the Americans were the first Dean of the
College. Nowadays the study of Political Science is merely a part of the
The five elements of the state are the following: General Education courses. Under the K-12 program, the study of
a. People- is one of the basic elements of the state. A state politics is one of the specialized subjects under HUMMS (Humanities
can have millions and even billions of people regardless of and Social Sciences) Track.
gender (either male/female). The Vatican City is the
smallest state while China is the biggest State with a 1.3
billion population.
b. Territory- the scope of land, sea, and air areas/boundaries
where the population of the states resides. A Territory is
divided into 3 domains:
1. Terrestrial (land)
2. Maritime and fluvial (water)
3. Aerial domains
c. Government- the machinery of the people where
d. their hopes and aspir
ations are expressed, formulated and realized. The
government is the basic agency of the state to carry its
obligations.
e. Sovereignty- the supreme power to command and enforce
obedience (Aruego, Principles of Political Science).
f. Recognition- The process where the state is granted
international status. It can be implied or expressed.

Common questions

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Traditional political science defines a state by its population, territory, sovereignty, and government. Modern political science adds recognition as a fifth element . These elements are crucial as they collectively establish a state's identity and functionality; population provides the human element, territory defines geographical boundaries, government represents organizational structure, sovereignty ensures autonomy, and recognition secures international acknowledgement and legal status .

The study of political science in the Philippines significantly developed during the American period, notably starting at the University of the Philippines with American deans leading the College of Liberal Arts. This period marked the integration of American political ideas and systems into the local educational framework, thereby shaping the political discourse and academic focus in the Philippines . This influence is evident in how political science is taught as part of General Education and as a specialized subject under the K-12 program .

The scientific approach in political science is distinguished by its systematic nature, employing observation, experimentation, and factual analysis to explore political phenomena . Factual analysis is emphasized to ensure that political theories and research are grounded in empirical evidence rather than conjecture, enhancing the credibility and applicability of findings in understanding complex political processes and facilitating informed decision-making in governance .

Aristotle's assertion that 'man by nature is a political being' underscores an intrinsic societal drive for organization and governance, emphasizing civic engagement and the importance of a balanced state, reflecting natural human tendencies toward community and order . Plato's contributions, highlighting wisdom and moral virtues as leadership pillars, provide a framework for evaluating governance efficacy, enhancing understanding of political leadership as a human pursuit striving for justice and social order . These contributions underpin modern interpretations of political structures and the inherent characteristics necessitating governance .

The division of a state's territory into terrestrial, maritime, and aerial domains affects sovereignty by delineating the geographical extent of state authority and legal jurisdiction . Each domain presents unique security challenges, requiring tailored policies to manage resources, respond to threats, and uphold sovereignty. For example, securing maritime boundaries is crucial for controlling trade routes and preventing smuggling, while sovereignty over aerial space guards against unauthorized incursions, impacting national defense policies . These domains collectively contribute to comprehensive national security strategies, balancing protection with diplomacy .

The struggle for power, defining politics as contestation and negotiation within and between political structures, has been central to political science's evolution. This inherent characteristic reflects in the discipline's focus on state dynamics, governance systems, and policy impacts. Political science examines how power is mediated through institutions, policies, and leaders' actions, stemming from historical analyses by thinkers like Aristotle and Plato who explored leadership's moral and wise qualities . Understanding these dynamics has consistently underscored the necessity to address power's distribution and impact on societal structures, making it a foundational theme in the discipline .

Aristotle defined politics as a natural aspect of human beings, emphasizing moderation and morality in leadership, as evident in his work 'Politics', which underscores the importance of balance in governance . Plato, on the other hand, prioritized wisdom in leaders and outlined an ideal state governed by philosopher-kings in his work 'The Republic' . These foundational ideas have significantly shaped modern political science by highlighting differing attributes of effective governance and political structures, influencing contemporary discussions on leadership qualities and the role of ethical considerations in politics .

The methodologies of political science research align with scientific methods through steps like identifying problems, formulating hypotheses, gathering and verifying data, defining research methodologies, and presenting findings . These steps ensure that political research remains systematic, objective, and evidence-based, crucial for producing credible and comprehensive analyses of political phenomena, thus allowing robust solutions to political issues .

Population provides the human resources necessary for economic activities and cultural vitality, promoting internal stability through social cohesion and workforce availability . The government acts as the mechanism for articulating collective goals, implementing laws, and resolving conflicts, foundational for maintaining order and stability. Externally, population and government influence diplomatic relations by shaping policy directions and international perceptions, enabling states to engage effectively in global affairs while maintaining internal coherence .

Sovereignty underlines a state's authority to govern itself without external interference, establishing internal order and enforcing laws independently . Recognition, meanwhile, affirms a state's status in the international community, essential for establishing diplomatic relations and engaging in international agreements . The interplay between these elements is critical in international relations as sovereignty ensures independence while recognition legitimizes this sovereignty globally, facilitating cooperation and conflict resolution among states .

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