The Significance and Methodology of Traditional Political Science
Political science is a social science that studies political behavior, systems, and politics. It is a branch of social science that is concerned with theory, description, analysis and prediction of political behavior, political systems and politics. Like other social sciences, political science uses a scientific approach, meaning that political scientists approach their study in an objective, rational, and systematic manner.
Defining Traditional Political Science
Traditional political science studies the state, government, and national institutions. It focuses on the formal, legal structures and the theoretical part of political life. The traditional methods to political science were widely prevalent till the outbreak of the Second World War. These methods were mainly related to the traditional view of politics which emphasized the study of the state and government. Therefore, traditional methods are primarily concerned with the study of the organization and activities of the state and the principles and ideas which underlie political organizations.
Forms of Traditional Methods
Traditional methods of political science primarily analyze the organization of states through several lenses:
- Philosophical Method: This method is regarded as the oldest method to the study of political science. The emergence of this method can be traced back to the times of the Greek philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. It firmly believes that values cannot be separated from the study of politics; thus, its main concern is to judge what is good or bad in any political society. It is mainly an ethical and normative study of politics.
- Historical Method: According to the advocates of this method, political theory can be only understood when historical factors like the age, place, and the situation in which it evolved are taken into consideration. It emphasizes on the study of history of every political reality to analyze any situation.
- Institutional and Legal Methods: Traditional political science also studies the formal, legal structures and national institutions, focusing on the state's constitution, laws, and duties.
Differences Between Politics and Political Science
Regarding the connection between these two fields, the differences can be summarized as follows:
- Nature: Politics is a phenomena involving the actual conduct of state affairs and political activities of the people. Political science is the method of inquiry and the mass of knowledge derived from studying those activities.
- Sphere: Politics occurs in daily lives within both public and private spheres. Political science is concerned mainly on the relationship of the state and its people.
- Participation: Everyone participates in politics, often with popular and simplified opinions. In contrast, fewer people participate in political science, which relies on objective, complex, and scientific analysis.
The Importance and Achievements of Political Study
Political science provides knowledge about the state's constitution, laws, and duties. It helps people understand the significance of political institutions like political parties, federations, and local bodies. Furthermore, political science also provides analysis and predictions about political and governmental issues. The value of political study is evidenced by significant achievements, such as:
- Right to suffrage
- Reduction of work hours
- Freedom of speech
- Freedom of belief and religion
- Right to peaceably assemble
Ultimately, while some political scientists focus on abstract and theoretical questions, others study particular government policies and their effects, ensuring that political science provides a theoretical foundation to understand state affairs and political behavior.