American University of Cyprus

Lefkosa, Guzelyurt Anayolu, Alaykoy

POLS 101: Introduction to Political Science

Name: Mirac Demirci

Student ID: 230302021

Department: Political Science

Course: POLS 101: Introduction to Political Science

Due date: November 20, 2024

The study of Political Science can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as
Greece, Rome, and China. However, it was not until the late 19th century that political
science emerged as a distinct academic field. Political Science is the systemic study of
governments, political institutions, and public policies. It examines the processes by
which decisions are made, how power is distributed, and the impact of government on
society. Political Science helps individuals make informed decisions about their political
beliefs and participation in civic life. By analyzing political ideologies, policies, and
institutions, citizens can engage more effectively in debates and decision-making
processes. Political scientist plays a vital role in evaluation public policies and providing
evidence-based solutions to social problems. Their expertise helps policymakers design
effective legislation and programs that benefit society (Jindal, 2015). Considered as a
science, Political science focuses on the systemic, evidenced-based analysis of political
behavior, institutions, policies and systems. When viewed as an art political science
emphasizes the practical and skillful application of political knowledge to achieve
desired outcome (Heywood, 2021). Political science requires both scientific and artistic
approaches. Scientific approaches provide data-driven analysis, while the art of politics
involves applying this analysis in a complex, ever-changing, world. The exchange
between science and art allows political scientists, policymakers, and leaders to make
informed, strategic decisions within the context of governance and public affairs.

The Scientific Approach

The nature of human behavior within political relationships has been studied and
considered for centuries, but has not always operated under a scientific scope.
Thucydides, Socrates, Plato and Aristotle all provided observations on their political
worlds and ideas about why states and political actors may behave the way they do.
The contributions of many famous philosophers and political thinkers over time has lent
greatly to the field of politics, but the modern conception of Political Science is one that,
like other social sciences, follows the scientific method and is based on a large depth of
philosophy tradition regarding the nature of inquiry. Beginning in the late 1800s,
scholars began attempting to treat political science, and indeed most of the social
sciences, as a hard science that could utilize the scientific method. Through decades of
debate, some level of consensus was met through scholastic political science
communities as to defining the characteristics of research in political science and how
research could best be conducted. The outcome was the use of the scientific method.
The scientific method is a process by which knowledge is acquired through a sequence
of steps, which generally include the following components: question, observation,
hypothesis, testing of the hypothesis, analysis of the outcomes, and reporting of the
findings. Ideally, use of scientific method will build a body of knowledge and culminate in
the formation of inferences and potentially theories for why/how phenomena exist or
occur. It is useful to briefly consider each of these components in deconstructing how
political scientist approach their areas of interest. Political scientist first starts up with a
research question, that develops a clear, focused and relevant research. After a
research question is form a literature review is written which comprises of key sources
and previous research on the research question. Theory and hypothesis come next; a
test is conducted on the theory. Analysis and reporting of finding is the last stage of the
scientific method, whether the hypothesis is true, partially true, or outright false, is
critical to the advancement of the overall field. Some examples where political science
has used the scientific method includes; a Transition from autocracy to democracy in
Eastern Europe, Federalism in the United States vs Canada and the voting behavior in
the U.S Presidental Elections. It is similar to other fields like sociology because they
both used the scientific method such as Empirical research. Both rely on data collection
and analysis to study and test hypothesis.

The Artistic Approach

Political Science involves the study of complex social phenomena, such as power
dynamics, governance structures, and public policies. Unlike natural sciences, where
phenomena can be observed and measured with a high degree of precision, political
phenomena are often subjective and open to interpretation. Political scientist analyzes
and interpret data, historical events, and human behavior, which requires subjective
judgement and interpretation. This interpretive aspect of political science resembles the
methods used in the arts, where subjective interpretation plays a central role in
understanding and appreciating artistic works. Like the arts, political science requires
creativity and imagination to conceptualize and explore theoretical frameworks, models,
and hypotheses. Political Scientists often employ creative thinking to develop new
theories, propose alternative solutions to societal problems, and envision future
scenarios. The ability to think critically, creatively, and imaginatively is essential for
advancing knowledge in political science, similar to how artist use their creativity to
produce innovative and thought-provoking works of art. Political science often involves
the analysis of narratives, discourses, and rhetorical strategies employed by political
actors to shape public opinion and influence decision-making. Political scientists study
how narratives are constructed, disseminated, and contested in political discourse,
recognizing the power of storytelling and rhetoric in shaping political narratives. This
focus on narrative analysis shares commonalities within literary studies and cultural
studies, where scholars analyze the ways in which narratives convey meaning, ideology
and identity. An example of how political decision-making, leadership, and ideology
involve creativity and subjectivity is the Franklin D. Roosevelt New Deal in the 1930s
which was a creative response to the Great Depression, involving new social programs,
public works projects, and financial reforms. Another example is Nelson Mandela’s
leadership in post-apartheid South Africa which exemplifies creativity in envisioning and
promoting reconciliation and a united nation. His approach involved subjective choice
about emphasizing forgiveness over retribution.
 Conclusion
Political Science is termed as a science. Though, it is not a science as are other natural
sciences, but it is a social science. Famous scholar Aristotle termed it as “the best
science”. Systematic and judicious study of any subject is called science. It uses the
scientific method to come to conclusion like all other science fields do. It will be a radical
view not to consider political science as a science. Also, political science is an art as
well, it requires creativity and imagination to understand hypothesis and theories. Like
most artists, political scientist uses critical thinking to analyze human behavior, political
ideologies and policies. In my opinion, Political Science is both an art as well as science
by nature. Though it is not a natural science, it is a social science. It is an art by its
purpose and works. It is data-based and value-based. It has the features of both an art
and a science. When political science studies its subject matter theoretically, it's a
science, but when it applies these principles for increasing the comfort of human life, it
becomes an art in this way, Political Science is both an art as well as a science.
References
Grigsby, E (2012). Analyzing Politics, An introduction to Political Science. Suzanne
Jeans ISBN 9781111342777
Heywood, A. (2021). Politics. 5th ed. Macmillan International Higher Education
Mason, A.T. “Politics: Science or Art?” Wiley, Vol.16,No.3 Dec1988 pp 1-10
Jindal, O.P (2015). Political Science: Meaning, History, Career, Scope & More. Global
Bozonelos, D. Wendt, J. Omae, M. (2012). The Scientific Method and Comparative
Politics. LibreText, Social Science.
Lijjphart, A, (1999). Patterns of Democracy: Government Forms and Performance in
Thirty-Six Countries.