Introduction to political

science

Assignment 1

HPMG 1.1

Group Members
Rufaro D.Matsika R2410662B
Jediah Makava R244925R
Theosophy Dombo
Question: Analyse the scope and definitions of politics as presented in the
module. Propose how understanding the complexity of politics can aid in
addressing contemporary global issues.

Politics is the process through which people interact with one another. Politics
can also be defined as a social process that involves two or more people
interacting together. The interaction may be through school, church, business,
trade unions, political parties, etc. It involves the action of government and
states because politics is also defined as exercising power and authority. Its
scope includes the study of the state and the study of the political system,
covering the study of government, the study of power, the study of man and his
political behaviour, and political issues that influence politics directly or
indirectly. Politics also alludes to the distribution of things, wealth, and
resources who gets what and how and when. All these different dimensions
help us compile what politics means.

The ancient Greek Philosopher Aristotle claimed that politics is the study and the
laws of a city, the actions its citizens undertake, and leadership. On Aristotle’s
account, the purpose of government is to foster the good life for its citizens,
which includes cultivating the virtues eg courage, and temperance. In his view,
a community can possess order only if it has a ruling element or authority. He
also pointed out that to understand humans and their purpose needs one to
understand the telos, or purpose of humans. The activity unique to humans is
the exercise of reason therefore reasoning well is what makes a good human. By
his philosophy a good human is defined by excelling at whatever activity is
unique to humans. To him politics and ethics are inseparable.

Ethics should be defined by discovering your primary purpose. The basic idea is
that all things have a purpose or a reason for existence. Aristotle gave an
example of a knife which is made to cut things. Thus its primary purpose, or
reason for existence of the telos. Then the question will be to explore the what
humans are made for.

Confucius is also a Philosopher, Teacher, Reformer, Prophet, Advisor and Editor

who had a similar philosophy like Aristotle above. Confucius theory is from a
Chinese belief system which also focuses on the importance of personal ethics
and morality. Confucianism is a philosophy and belief system from ancient China
that laid the foundation for much of Chinese culture. It also focused more on
bureaucracy or meritocracy and as Chinese philosopher and symbol of
Traditional Culture.
Aristotle, one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy, defined
politics as "the master art of all." He believed that politics is the highest form of
human activity, encompassing the study and practice of governance and the
pursuit of the common good. According to Aristotle, politics is the art of
organizing and managing a community of people to achieve a shared goal. This
goal is not merely individual happiness or prosperity, but rather the realization of
a flourishing society, or a "polis."

Aristotle distinguished between two types of justice: distributive justice and

corrective justice. Distributive justice concerns the fair allocation of resources
and opportunities among members of the community, while corrective justice
deals with the rectification of wrongs and the punishment of offenders.

In conclusion, Aristotle's definition of politics emphasizes the importance of

community, justice, and the pursuit of the common good. His ideas have had a
profound influence on Western political thought and continue to be relevant
today.

Harold Lasswell defined politics as "who gets what, when, and how." This concise
definition highlights the core elements of political activity:

* Who: Refers to the actors involved in politics, such as individuals, groups, and
institutions.

* Gets: Represents the outcomes or benefits that are sought in political

processes, which can include resources, power, or influence.

* When: Indicates the timing of political decisions and actions.

* How: Addresses the methods or strategies used to achieve political goals, such
as negotiation, coercion, or persuasion.

Lasswell's definition emphasizes the competitive nature of politics, where

different actors strive to obtain desired outcomes. It also highlights the
importance of understanding the power dynamics and decision-making
processes involved in political systems.

Max Weber defined politics as "the struggle for power within an orgnization." This
definition emphasizes the competitive and conflictual nature of political activity,
particularly within organizations and institutions.

According to Weber, power is the ability to influence or control others, even

against their will. Political actors, such as individuals, groups, and organizations,
engage in a constant struggle to acquire and maintain power within their
respective spheres of influence.
Weber's definition also highlights the importance of legitimacy in politics. For a
political system to be stable, it must be perceived as legitimate by its citizens.
Legitimacy can be derived from tradition, charisma, or legal-rational authority.

In essence, Weber's definition of politics underscores the importance of power,

conflict, and legitimacy in understanding political phenomena.

Robert Dahl defined politics as "the process of deciding who gets what, when,
how, and why." This definition builds upon Lasswell's concept by adding the
dimension of "why," which refers to the motivations and reasons behind political
decisions.

Dahl's definition emphasizes the importance of participation and inclusion in

political processes. He argued that for a political system to be democratic, it
must allow for the meaningful participation of its citizens. This includes the right
to vote, to express opinions, and to influence government policies.

Dahl also introduced the concept of "polyarchy," which refers to a political

system characterized by multiple centers of power and a high degree of
participation. Polyarchy is often seen as an ideal type of democracy, but it may
be difficult to achieve in practice.

Dahl's definition of politics highlights the importance of participation, inclusion,

and decision-making processes in understanding political phenomena. His
concept of polyarchy provides a framework for analysing the quality of
democratic governance.

Plato defined politics as the art of governing a city-state (polis) in a just and
harmonious way. He believed that the ideal state should be ruled by philosopher-
kings, who possess wisdom and virtue.

Plato's political philosophy is outlined in his work "The Republic." He argues that
the state should be organized into three classes: the rulers (philosopher-kings),
the warriors (guardians), and the producers. Each class has its own specific role
and responsibilities, and the state should be governed according to a strict
hierarchy.

Plato's ideal state is based on the concept of justice, which he defines as the
harmonious balance of the three classes. He believed that injustice arises when
the classes become unbalanced, leading to conflict and disorder.

Plato's definition of politics emphasizes the importance of justice, wisdom, and

virtue in governance. His ideas have had a profound influence on Western
political thought and continue to be debated and discussed today.

Understanding the Complexity of Politics: A Tool for Addressing Contemporary

Global Issues
The interconnectedness and multifaceted nature of contemporary global issues
demand a nuanced understanding of politics. By recognizing the complexity of
political dynamics, we can develop more effective strategies to address these
challenges. Here are some key ways in which understanding political complexity
can aid in addressing global issues:

1. Recognizing Interdependence

* Globalized World: Our world is increasingly interconnected, with political,

economic, and environmental issues often intertwined. Understanding the
complex relationships between these factors allows us to develop
comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of global problems.

* Domino Effect: Political instability in one region can have far-reaching

consequences for others. By recognizing the interconnectedness of global
events, we can anticipate potential crises and take preventive measures.

2. Addressing Power Dynamics

* Unequal Power: Power imbalances between nations and within societies can
hinder progress on global issues. Understanding these power dynamics is crucial
for developing strategies that promote equity and fairness.

* Empowerment: By recognizing the importance of power dynamics, we can work

to empower marginalized groups and ensure that their voices are heard in
decision-making processes.

3. Navigating Cultural Nuances

* Diverse Perspectives: Global issues are often viewed through different cultural
lenses. Understanding these diverse perspectives is essential for building
consensus and finding solutions that are acceptable to all parties involved.

* Cultural Sensitivity: By recognizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, we

can avoid cultural misunderstandings and build trust among different
communities.

4. Adapting to Changing Circumstances

* Dynamic Environment: The political landscape is constantly evolving, and

global issues can change rapidly. Understanding the complexity of politics allows
us to be adaptable and adjust our strategies as needed.

* Scenario Planning: By considering different potential scenarios, we can develop

contingency plans and be better prepared to respond to unexpected challenges.

5. Building Consensus

* Stakeholder Engagement: Understanding the diverse interests and

perspectives of stakeholders is crucial for building consensus and developing
solutions that are widely supported.
* Negotiation Skills: Effective negotiation skills are essential for resolving
conflicts and finding common ground. By understanding the complexities of
political bargaining, we can develop strategies for achieving mutually beneficial
outcomes.

In conclusion, understanding the complexity of politics is a critical step in

addressing contemporary global issues. By recognizing the interconnectedness
of global events, understanding power dynamics, navigating cultural nuances,
adapting to changing circumstances, and building consensus, we can develop
more effective and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our world
today.

References:

* Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Blackfriars, 1982.

* Copleston, Frederick. A History of Philosophy: Volume II: Medieval Philosophy.

Doubleday, 1993.

* Grant, Reginald. The Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas. Routledge, 2004.

* Maritain, Jacques. The Degrees of Knowledge. University of Chicago Press,

1959.

* O'Connor, Timothy. Aquinas and Natural Law: Selected Essays. Cambridge

University Press, 2005.