SEMINAR ON POLITICAL SCIENCE

The study of processes, principles and structure of government and of political institutions; politics is known as political science. Briefly, it deals with the theory and practice of politics. Starting from the rise and the fall of the Roman Empire the history of political science continues marking the impact of the middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Enlightenment, and modern political science.

Political science is similar to social science as a whole where the scientists study the transfer of power in decision making. These scientists measure the rise and fall of governance with specific policies. The success of governance, the material wealth, the stability and peace are examined by these scientists. The prediction of these scientists becomes the base for analysis of issues by politicians, journalists, and special interest groups.

The course political science is more popular in United States where as in countries other than United States they offer it as part of a broader discipline of political studies, politics, or government. Political science as the name suggests implies the use of scientific method into politics.

Political philosophy, political economy, political theology, history, moral philosophies are the antecedents for political science. One can track the roots of these antecedents from Plato to Euripides.

The predefined examples of the republic and Rome’s empire and wars can be traced in the rise and the fall of the Roman Empire where famous historians like Plutarch, Polybius and statesmen like Julius Caesar had documented the rise of the Roman Republic. The fall of Roman Empire marks a dispersed ground for political studies. The rise of Christianity and monotheism has given much space for the growth of politics and political action.

The Rig-Veda of the ancient India and the Arthashastra of Chanakya are beautiful carvings in the arena of political science which emphasize the social order and economics.

The Italian Renaissance which is considered as the Golden Age has not left the political atmosphere without an impact. Niccolo Machievelli’s empirical observation of political institutions and Thomas Hobbes theory of the social contract made a striking remark in political science. In the period of Enlightenment it was considered that religion cannot play a dominant role in politics. The separation of church and state made a controversial turn outs.

With this foreground, the modern political science accentuated the study of human behavior. Proper study of the politics has led to derive a consensus despite complexities. These political scientists are not considered as politicians and they are allowed to demonstrate greater objectivity about politics.

Questions

• Is a political scientist different from a politician? Justify your answer.
• How do political scientists deal with politics?
• What is the influence of History in Political science?