Growth of the Discipline of Political Science

Political Science as a discipline has evolved over centuries, shaped by historical events,
philosophical ideas, and changes in governance. The growth of Political Science can be
divided into several key phases:

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1. Classical Period (Ancient & Medieval Times)

●​ Greek & Roman Contributions

Political Science traces its origins to ancient Greece, where philosophers like Plato (The
Republic) and Aristotle (Politics) analyzed governance and political structures.

Aristotle is often called the "Father of Political Science" because of his empirical
approach to studying political systems.

The Romans (e.g., Cicero) contributed ideas on law, governance, and republicanism.

Medieval Period (5th – 15th Century)

During the medieval period, Christian theology and political philosophy dominated.

Thinkers like St. Augustine (The City of God) and Thomas Aquinas integrated religious
principles with governance.

The idea of divine right of kings emerged, limiting discussions on democracy.

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2. Renaissance & Early Modern Period (15th – 18th Century)

The Renaissance (15th–16th century) and the Enlightenment (17th–18th century)

brought a revival of classical political thought with a focus on rationalism, democracy,
and individual rights.
Machiavelli (The Prince) introduced a pragmatic approach to politics, focusing on power
dynamics.

Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau developed social contract
theory, influencing ideas of democracy and governance.

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3. Modern Political Science (19th – Early 20th Century)

The Industrial Revolution and revolutions in America (1776) & France (1789) led to new
discussions on democracy, capitalism, socialism, and governance.

Thinkers like Karl Marx (Communism & Class Struggle) and John Stuart Mill (Liberalism
& Utilitarianism) shaped political ideologies.

Political Science became an academic discipline in the late 19th century with
universities offering specialized courses.

Institutionalization of Political Science

In 1880, John W. Burgess founded the first School of Political Science at Columbia
University.

In 1903, the American Political Science Association (APSA) was established, marking
the formal development of the discipline.

4. Behavioral Revolution (20th Century: 1930s–1950s)

Traditional political science focused on laws, institutions, and history.

The behavioral revolution shifted focus to empirical research, using surveys,

psychology, and statistics to study political behavior.
Scholars like Robert Dahl and David Easton promoted a scientific approach to politics.

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5. Post-Behavioralism & Contemporary Political Science (1960s–Present)

The post-behavioral movement emerged as scholars argued that Political Science

should address real-world problems rather than just focus on data.

New areas of study developed, including:

●​ Comparative Politics – Studying different political systems.

●​ International Relations – Analyzing global politics.

●​ Public Policy & Administration – Focusing on governance and policy-making.

●​ Political Economy – Exploring the link between politics and economics.

Modern Political Science Trends

●​ Globalization and Digital Politics – The impact of the internet, social media, and
artificial intelligence on politics.

●​ Democracy & Governance Studies – Understanding challenges in modern

democracies.

●​ Environmental Politics – Studying climate policies and sustainability.

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Conclusion
Political Science has grown from philosophical discussions in ancient Greece to a
specialized, empirical, and interdisciplinary field today. It continues to evolve with new
challenges like digital governance, global security, and environmental policies.

Distinction Between Political Science and Politics

While the terms Political Science and Politics are often used interchangeably, they
represent distinct concepts, each with its own purpose, scope, and focus.
Understanding the difference between these two is crucial for a deeper comprehension
of how politics works and how it is studied.

1. Political Science:

The Study of Politics Political Science is an academic discipline that focuses on the
study of political systems, behaviors, structures, and ideologies. It is the scientific study
of politics, using empirical research, theories, and methodologies to understand how
political institutions function, how power is distributed, and how political actions impact
societies.

Key Characteristics of Political Science:

Theoretical and Analytical: Political Science is primarily theoretical and analytical.

Scholars in this field apply theories and frameworks to examine political phenomena.

●​ Empirical Research: It involves research methods such as surveys, case studies,

comparative politics, and statistical analysis to gain insights into political behavior
and systems.

●​ Sub-disciplines: Political Science is divided into several sub-disciplines:

●​ Comparative Politics: Analyzes political systems across different countries.

●​ International Relations: Focuses on relationships between nations and global

political dynamics.

●​ Political Theory: Explores political ideas, ideologies, and philosophies.

●​ Public Administration and Policy: Studies the implementation and administration

of government policies.
 ●​ Objective and Academic: Political Science aims to understand, explain, and
predict political behavior, not to engage in or influence political practice.

Examples of Topics in Political Science:

The role of political parties in democracies.

The impact of electoral systems on voter behavior.

Comparative study of different forms of government (e.g., democracy vs.

authoritarianism).

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2. Politics: The Practice of Governance

Politics, on the other hand, is the actual practice of governance and the decision-making
process that determines how power is exercised, policies are made, and resources are
allocated. Politics happens in real-time and involves various actors such as politicians,
political parties, interest groups, and the public, who engage in activities to influence or
control political outcomes.

Key Characteristics of Politics:

●​ Practical and Dynamic: Politics is inherently practical and dynamic. It involves the
real-world actions of political leaders, citizens, and organizations who engage in
activities like campaigning, lobbying, voting, and lawmaking.

●​ Conflict and Compromise: Politics often involves conflict, negotiation, and

compromise. Different groups with competing interests seek to influence policies
and government decisions.

●​ Power and Influence: Politics is largely about who gets what, when, and how. It is
the exercise of power and the distribution of resources within a society.
 ●​ Partisan and Ideological: Politics is influenced by partisan ideologies, with
political parties and individuals often pushing for policies that align with their
values, beliefs, and objectives.

Examples of Political Activities:

Election campaigns and voter mobilization.

Legislative debates and lawmaking.

International diplomatic negotiations.

Interrelationship Between Political Science and Politics

While Political Science and Politics are distinct, they are closely related and interact with
each other in important ways:

Political Science provides theoretical frameworks and tools that help us understand the
practical dynamics of Politics. For example, theories of democracy or political behavior
help us analyze election results or understand voter turnout.

Politics influences Political Science by providing real-world data and case studies that
inform academic research. Political events, policies, and movements often prompt
scholars to refine their theories and research methodologies.

In this way, Political Science informs the practice of Politics, and the practice of Politics
provides material for the study of Political Science.
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Conclusion

In summary:
Political Science is the academic study of politics, seeking to understand, explain, and
analyze political systems, behaviors, and ideologies.

Politics is the practical activity of governance, involving the exercise of power,

decision-making, and the competition between various political actors to influence public
policies.

Both fields are essential for a complete understanding of how societies govern
themselves and how political processes operate in the real world. Political Science
offers valuable insights, while politics offers the context in which these theories are
tested and applied.

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The Nature of Political Science

Political science is a dynamic and multifaceted discipline that delves into the study of
power, governance, and political behavior. It seeks to understand how societies
organize, govern, and make decisions, offering insights into the complexities of political
systems and human interactions. Below are the key aspects that define its essence:

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1. The Study of Power and Governance

At its core, political science explores how power is acquired, exercised, and distributed.
It examines the structures and mechanisms of governance, including governments,
political institutions, and the rule of law. By analyzing authority and decision-making
processes, it sheds light on who gets what, when, and how.

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2. Interdisciplinary Approach

Political science is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from fields like history,

economics, sociology, philosophy, and law. This broad perspective allows it to address
complex political issues by integrating diverse insights and methodologies.

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3. Theory Meets Practice

The discipline balances theoretical frameworks (e.g., liberalism, realism, Marxism) with
empirical research. While theories provide conceptual tools to understand political
phenomena, empirical methods—such as data analysis, case studies, and
surveys—test these ideas against real-world evidence.

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4. Normative and Descriptive Dimensions

Political science operates on two levels:

Normative: It asks ethical questions about what ought to be—evaluating ideals like
justice, equality, and democracy.

Descriptive: It focuses on what is—observing and explaining political behavior,

institutions, and processes as they exist.

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5. Global and Comparative Perspective

Political science transcends borders, studying political systems and behaviors across
nations and cultures. Through comparative politics and international relations, it
highlights similarities, differences, and global trends in governance and power
dynamics.
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6. Dynamic and Evolving

The field continuously adapts to address emerging challenges, such as climate change,
technological advancements, and globalization. Its theories and methods evolve to
reflect the ever-changing political landscape.

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7. Policy-Oriented and Practical

Political science is not just an academic pursuit; it has real-world applications. By

analyzing policies, institutions, and governance, it provides actionable insights to
improve decision-making and address societal issues.

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8. Focus on Citizenship and Participation

The discipline emphasizes the role of individuals and groups in shaping political
outcomes. It explores how citizens engage with political processes—through voting,
activism, or advocacy—and how these interactions influence governance.

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Why Political Science Matters

Political science is essential for understanding the forces that shape our world. It equips
us with the tools to critically analyze power, advocate for change, and contribute to the
development of just and effective political systems. Whether studying local governance
or global politics, it remains a vital lens for interpreting the complexities of human
society.

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This refined explanation highlights the depth, relevance, and interdisciplinary nature of
political science in a more engaging and structured manner. Let me know if you'd like
further adjustments!