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Concept & Debates in Political Theory Unit 1 Political Theory Basics
Concept & Debates in Political Theory Unit 1 Political Theory Basics Notes cover all the exercise questions in UGC Syllabus. Concept & Debates in Political Theory Unit 1 Political Theory Basics provided here ensures a smooth and easy understanding of all the concepts. Understand the concepts behind every Unit and score well in the board exams.
Political Theory Basics
| VERY SHORT TYPES QUESTION & ANSWERS |
1. From which word the term “Politics” is derived?
Ans : Greek word “Polis” .
2. What is the meaning of Politics?
Ans : Politics is simply the exercise of influence.
3. How Gettell define political science?
Ans : Political science deals with the associations of human beings that form political units, with the organisation of their government and with activities of these governments in making and administering law in carrying on inter-state relations.
4. What do you mean by political theory?
Ans : Political theory deals with the definition and meaning of fundamental concepts of political science like state government, law, liberty, equality, Justice, sovereignty, separation of powers, method of representation, forms of government, grounds of political obligation and various ideologies.
5. How Laski defined political science?
Ans: According to Laski “the study of politics concerns itself with life of man in relation to organized states.”
6. Who is regarded as the father of Political Science?
Ans : Aristotle.
7. To which category of Science, Political Science belongs?
Ans : Social Science.
8. Political Science is a “Master Science”. Who said this?
Ans : Aristotle.
9. Who said “Political Science begins and ends with the state.”
Ans : Garner.
10. Who used the term “Political Science” for the first time?
Ans : Jean Bodia.
11. Political Science is a science of the state. Write ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.
Ans : Yes.
12. “Political Science without history has no root” — Who said this.
Ans : John Seely.
13. What is the name of the famous treatise written by the Greek philosopher Aristotle?
Ans : “The Politics”
14. Name any two Social Sciences which have a relationship with Political Science.
Ans : History and Economics.
15. What are the two categories of political theory?
Ans : The two categories of political theory are : value theory and casual theory.
16. Mention the three types of statements of political theory.
Ans : The three types of statement political theory are:
(i) Empirical statement.
(ii) Logical statement.
(iii) Evaluative statement.
17. Mention two steps of nature of the political science.
Ans : Observation and generalization.
18. Write any two significance of the study of political science.
Ans : (i) Importing knowledge of the state.
(ii) Importing knowledge of govt. and administration.
19. What do you mean by modern politics?
Ans : if the traditional meaning of politics as the study of the state or government or both is incomplete. The modern meaning of politics is the study of power or the struggle for power.
| SHORT TYPES QUESTION & ANSWERS |
1. Is Political Science a science or an art? Discuss.
Ans : There is no uniformity of opinion among political thinkers whether political science is science or not. To examine this matter we should know the meaning. Of science. Science is the systematic branch of knowledge where there is scope of experimentation, observation and prediction of accurate result of events is possible.
If we examine, political science with the same spirit of natural science it cannot be called science. Because in political science there is no agreed definition or principle. Again, as human beings are involved in political process it is difficult to predict future course of events.
However, some writers like Aristotle, Bryce called political science as science. They opined that if science is a systematic body of knowledge then political science can certainly be called as science. Now a days, the subject political science applies scientific method like observation, data collection, generalization and analysis.
2. Define Political Science.
Ans : Different scholars have defined Political Science in different way. According to Paul Janet “Political Science is that part of Social Science which treats the foundations of the state and the principles of the government. According to Garner “Political Science begins and ends with the state”. Traditionally political science was regarded as the study of state. For a long period, political science dealt with the study of government and state. But after the second world war, the dimension of political science has changed. Now a days political science is concerned with the study of political institutions, political processes, political activities, and political behaviour.
3. Define Scope of political theory.
Ans : Broadly speaking political theory is concerned with three types of statements:
(i) Empirical statement.
(ii) Logical statement.
(iii) Evaluative statement.
Political science relies only on empirical and logical statements. It is argued that correct observation and correct reasoning by different persons would lead to the similar conclusion, hence empirical and logical statements are capable of verification.
On the other hand evaluation statements are based on individual or group preferences. Which differ from individual to individual or group to group, there is no reliable method, of determining what is right or wrong, good or bad, one cannot scientifically discover the purpose of the universe or human life. Exponents of logical positivism argue that evaluative statements have no empirical content or logical structure; they are expression of subjective reflection or emotional preference. Likewise champions of scientific method for the study of politics insist on a value free or value neutral approach.
4. Characteristics of Political Theory.
Ans : Meaning of political theory: Political theory deals with the definition and meaning of fundamental concepts of political science like state government, law, liberty, equality, Justice, sovereignty, separation of powers, method of representation, forms of government, grounds of political obligation and various ideologies. Political theory is an intellectual and moral creation of men.
The characteristics of Political theory are follows:
(a) Political theory also includes political ideology. All political theories from plato to date reflect a distinct ideology of the writer.
(b) Political theory is associated with the explanation and evaluation of the political phenomena and this phenomena can be examined as a statement of ideas and ideals.
(c ) Political theory is largely an attempt to seek the truth as the thinker sees it.
(d) Political theory contains an explanation of man.
(e) Political theory not only comprehends and explains the social and political reality but is also actively engaged in hastening the process of history.
5. White the characteristics constituting the meaning of politics?
Ans : Some of the characteristic features which may be found in any meaning of politics are as follows:
(i) Politics is about power
(ii) Politics involves an activity.
(iii) Politics as the study of political system, itself a part of social system.
(iv) Politics is found in a system which is ‘political’ in nature.
(v) Politics is related to what is political or what influences.
(vi) Politics includes government and its institutions.
(vii) Politics involves a pattern of political relation ship those who Command on the one hand and those who command n the one hand and those who obey on the other.
6. Discuss the utility of studying political science.
Ans : In modern days, every individual of a state is directly or indirectly involved with politics. With the emergence of Nationalism and Democracy people are taking important part in the political affairs. The study of political science can be very helpful in this regard.
But studying political science, one gets knowledge about the origin and development of state, value of rights and liberties. Again, by providing sound knowledge on politics, it helps people to form right kind of judgement. One of the major contribution of political science is that by studying it we can know about the working of political systems of different countries. Political science provides us both theoretical and practical knowledge about politics which can be applied for better future.
Political science teaches us how to become a good citizen. The study of political science enriches our civic sense and makes us good citizens. The citizen of democratic country should have knowledge about the state, activities of various organs of government, rights and duties. The study of political science not only gives us theoretical knowledge about the subject but also makes us aware about practical political aspects of society.
7. Write the differences between traditional and modern approaches to political science.
Ans : In political science basically two approaches are adopted to study. The approaches to study political science can be classified into two categories-traditional approaches and modern approaches.
The differences between traditional approaches and modern approaches are mentioned in the following:
(i) Traditional approaches are normative. It attaches value judgement to the study of political science. On the other hand modern approaches are scientific in character. It studies the political phenomena without attaching any value judgement.
(ii) Traditional approaches is concerned with the formal institutions whereas modern approaches analyse the actual working and behaviour of formal and information institution.
(iii) Traditional approaches were static. It did not take into account the changes that took place in the society. On the other hand modern approaches are dynamic.
(iv) Traditional approaches had a very narrow outlook. It did not take the help of other disciplines. On the other hand, modern approaches take the help of other disciplines while analysing political phenomena.
8. “Political science teaches us to become good citizens.” – Explain.
Ans : The present age is the age of democracy. Success of democracy is dependent on its citizens. If the citizens are responsible then they will work for the benefit of their country. The citizens of democracy should have knowledge about state, activities of government, rights and duties. The subjects of political science helps citizens to gain knowledge about the various aspects of state and government. The study of political science helps us to know about workings of different forms of government in different countries. Thus, political science not only gives us theoretical knowledge about the subject but also makes us aware about practical political aspects. In the present age of international co-operation knowledge of political science has become almost essential. If the citizens realize the significance of the subject then they will certainly realise the value of democracy.
9. Discuss the relationship between Political Science and Economics.
Ans : Economics and Political Science are very closely related subject. Both the subjects are part of social science. Both the subjects are inter-dependent and have same objective that is human welfare. But they differ as far as means of this end are concerned. In modern state, we cannot separate economic activities from politics. Most of the political changes take place due to economic causes like unemployment, poverty etc. The political party in power has to remain conscious about the various economic needs of the country. They have to make economic planning, budgeting etc. James Stewart said that what economy is in the family, political economy is in the state.
10. Discuss the relationship between political science and history.
Ans : Political science mainly deals with the study of state. To understand efficiently about the state, one has to study it from past to present. That’s why, while dealing with political science one gets automatically connected with history. History provides required raw materials to political science. Again a large portion of history is dominated by political events.
Thought both the subjects touches each other frequently, there are some differences between the two. Political science collects materials from other subjects besides history. All historical facts are not past politics. Again, history has also some other aspects besides politics.
11. Discuss the relationship between political science and sociology.
Ans : Sociology is regarded as the mother of all social science including political science. Sociology has a more wider scope than political science as it touches every aspect of social life. If studies human life from a stage when there was no political life. On the other hand, political science is more specialised subjects than sociology as it concerned with the political aspect only. In many situation however, both the subjects become complementary to each other. Sociology borrows from political science the ideas about state and government. Political science collects from sociology knowledge regarding the earliest form of organizations.
12. Discuss relationship between political science and Ethics.
Ans : Ethics is the science of morality. It deals with the right and wrong conduct. Many ancient as well as modern writers of the opinion that political activities must be based on moral values. For example, according to Mahatma Gandhi “what is morally wrong cannot be politically right.” Again. If we look at the aim of both the subjects it is the same, that is welfare of mankind. Political science adopts many things from ethics. However, the subject matter of both are different. Ethics deals with the inner qualities of man while political science deals with external qualities only. For example, the act of stealing is immoral. The law of state also declares it illegal. But according to Ethics the very idea of stealing is immoral, Political science is not concerned with this kind of inner feelings, rather it deals with action.
13. Write four characteristics of behaviouralism.
Ans : Behaviouralism is a new approach to the study of political science. It’s main emphasis is to study the political behaviour of people.
The characteristics of behaviouralism are mentioned below:
(i) It depends on scientific methods for studying political behaviour.
(ii) It is inter-disciplinary.
(iii) It has a practical outlook towards the subject unlike conventional approaches.
(iv) It has introduced some new technique in political science like observation, interviews, survey, data collection etc.
14. Write a short note on Cobban.
Ans : Alfred Cobban presents a very pessimistic picture of political theory. He holds that despite being an intellectually rich tradition since the time of Plato, there has been a dearth of such work since the 18th century. Among the external causes for the decline of political theory, he mentions increasing role of the state and bureaucratic machinery and military establishment.
However, political theory with which he associates political philosophy as been deeply affected by growing influence of scientific attitude and historical approach.
Pointing at the earlier phases, he observes “they wrote to condemn or support existing institutions, to justify a political system or persuade their fellow citizens to change it because in the last resort, they were concerned with the aims, the purpose of political society cannot remain insulted from the sphere of ‘values’, it will have to engage itself in such exercises and only then it can give a sense of direction.
15. Write a short note on behavioural approach to political science.
Ans : The behavioural approach comes into existence after the Second World War. David Easton and Robert A. Dahl were the strong supporter of this approach. The main emphasis is on the study of political behaviour. Unlike other approaches it tried to introduce systematic and scientific method in the study of political science. Data collection, verification are some techniques used by the behaviouralists. This approach has helped political scientist in predicting about some political events.
16. Write the characteristics of Politics as the pursuit of common Goods.
Ans : The following characteristics of Political as the pursuit of common goods are notable:
(a) Political is not merely an agency for reconciling the conflicting interest of the individuals. The emphasis is not on “the individual” but on what is ‘common’ for all the individuals. Politics discovers what is ‘common’ for all and there after, promotes the spirit of commonality.
(b) Politics is not ‘class struggle’ as the Marxists insist. If it were so, then dictatorship of the proletariat, however traditional it might be, would not have been, as Lenin said, better mean the bourgeois state quantitatively as well as quantitatively class permeation, and not class conflict, is the essence of the state.
(c) The idea of common good presupposes a state that serves end not the one that orders. Benn and Peters say that the state alone is peculiarly fitted to achieve common good.
(d) Politics exists to pursue common good. The range of common good lies between protection on the one end and developments – conservation on the other. It begins with the establishment of social order and ends up in a state that serves all.
17. Is Political science is a science– Explain.
Ans : There is no uniformity of opinion among the political thinkers whether political science is a science or not. To examine this matter we should know the meaning of science. Though political science cannot be an exact science like physics, chemistry and Mathematics, but it is a social science like sociology, psychology and economics. However some writers like Aristotle, Bryce called political science as science. Because according to them if science is a systematic body of knowledge then political science an certainly called as science.
The essential features of this methods are:
(a) It takes nothing for granted.
(b) It insists that all generalization made be based on observed facts.
(c) It will not accept any generalization as final and irrevocable.
(d) Beside a scientists, so far as humanly possible, is not swayed by his personal preferences or subjectives bias in the formulation of his findings.
Since the behavioural revolution in political science, advanced tools and techniques of research, concepts and models borrowed from other sciences have enriched political studies and have imported it greater scientific character.
| LONG TYPE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS |
1. What do you mean by political theory? Explain the nature and significance of political theory.
Ans : Political theory deals with the definition and meaning of fundamental concepts of political science like state government, law, liberty, equality, Justice, sovereignty, separation of powers, method of representation, forms of government, grounds of political obligation and various ideologies. Political Theory is an intellectual and moral creation of man.
The characteristics of political theory are follows:
(a) Political theory also includes political ideology. All political theories from Plato to date reflect a distinct ideology of the writer.
(b) Political theory is associated with the explanation and evaluation of the political phenomena and this phenomeana can be examined as a statement of ideas and ideals.
(c ) Political theory is largely an attempt to seek the truth as thinker sees it.
(d) Political theory contains an explantion of man.
(e) Political theory not only comprehends and explains the social and political reality but is also actively engaged in hastening the process of history.
Nature of Political Theory: To know clearly as to what political theory really is, is to know its nature. Political theory is said to be political thought and that is why there are some who describe political theory as denoting the works of numerous thinkers. But it is not what political thought. Is there are others who equate political theory with political philosophy. It is true that political theory constitutes a part of political philosophy, but it is only a part; a part can never be a whole, and as a part, it remains only a part, a part of the whole. There are still others who after incorporating science in politics, prefer to call it Political Science. But those who insist on a science of politics, refuse to admit if there ever had been a history of politics, or a culture of politics. Brecht, therefore, would say, “political philosophy, political theory and political science are no longer interchangeable term, with the emphasis placed on science and a distinction from political philosophy, political science now refers to efforts limited by the use of scientific methods, in contrast to political philosophy, which is free to transcend these limits.
Likewise political ‘theory’ when opposed to political ‘philosophy’ now is usually meant to refer scientific theory only in distinction from political philosophy. Political theory is not all history but it is history in the limited sense It is not all philosophy, but it is philosophy in some degree; it is not all science, but it is science in so far as it responds to reason. A political theorist has to be a part historian, a part philosopher and a part scientist.
Significance of political theory: A theory is described as one that enables us to organise our knowledge, orient our research and interpret our findings. But it is theory seen as a science, as a methodology and as a technique for reaching a goal seen as a philosophy a theory is the enunciation of general rules and laws as to how a man must live, a state be ordered and a society be organized, so seen, a theory is an end in itself political theory as a philosophy, attempts to find out what the truth is in a particular situation, to generalize from that what the truth would be in different state of circumstances and then to advocate views with all the passion at its command. Accordingly, political theory would continue to be needed as is needed science or art. As a science, political theory can perform certain useful functions. David Easton mentions some such functions.
These are as follows:
(i) The existence and wide acceptance of consensus by workers in the field, on a theoretical frame workers in the field, on a theoretical frame work, would enable the results of the various researchers to be compared. It would help in the verification of conclusions drawn by the earlier researches and may also reveal the areas of research which require more empirical work.
(ii) To identify the significant political variables and describe their mutual relations. To ensure this, an analytical scheme is essential. This would render research meaningful and arrange facts leading to generalizations.
(iii) Finally the existence of a theoretical frame work or at least, a relatively consistent body of concepts making research more reliable.
Political theory serves as a teacher, a guide and a philosopher of man in general and in their attempts to comprehend and control the whole environment both social and natural.
If is worth nothing the significance of political theory as indicated by Wright and Millsas follows:
(a) Political theory is itself a social reality. It is an ideology in terms of which certain institutions and practices are justified and others attacked, it provides the phrases in which demands are raised, proclamations formulated and at times, policies determined.
(b) It contains theories of man, society and history, or at least assumptions, about what are held to be it’s most important elements and how these elements are typically related, its major points of conflict and how these conflicts are resolved. It suggests the methods of study appropriate to its theories. From these theories and with those methods expectations are desired.
(c ) It is an ethic, an articulation of ideals which at various levels of generality events and movements and as goals and guidelines for aspirations and policies.
(d) It designates agencies of action, of the means of reform, revolution and conservation. It contains strategies and programmes that embody both ends and means. It designates in short, the historical levels by which ideals are to be won or maintained often they have been won.
(e) It contains theories of man, society and history or at least assumptions about how society is made up and how if works, about what are held to be if most important elements and how these elements are typically related; its major points of conflict and how these conflicts are resolved. If suggests the methods of study appropriate to its theories. From these theories and with those methods expectations are desired.
2. What are the reasons for the decline of political theory– Discuss.
Ans : Easton: S.P Verma in his work “Modern Political Theory” identifies following causes for the decline of political theory which have been attributed by Easton.
(a) Historicism: According to David Easton, writers such as Dunning, Sabine, Mcilwain, Lindsay, Carlye, are more interested in describing the causes for rise of an ideology, system of values etc. They do not engage in stimulating their own thought to find solutions to contemporary social problems.
(b) Moral Relativism: Easton accuses Hume and Weber of having relativistic attitude towards ‘values’ and neglecting what consequences do they have for the ‘facts.’ However, a political scientist to be sensitive towards social problems, construct values and not transplant them.
(c) Confusing Science and Theory: Easton accuses the political theorists of using science and theory in a wrong way. In fact, he points out that mere use of scientific method cannot generate theories. The latter task involves identifying major variables and establishing a harmonious relationship between them.
(d) Hyper factualism: Easton accuses writers like Paul & Bryce of using theory simply to accumulate facts. Such tendencies, in his opinion fail to relate themselves with the significant problems in a Political system. He observes “theory without facts may be a well-piloted ship with an unsound Keel. But where preoccupation with fact-gathering syphons away energy from seeing the facts in their theoretical significance then the ultimate value of factual research itself will be lost”.
3. Explain the philosophical and historical approach to the study of political science.
Ans : The main proponent of this approach is Plato, Thomas Moore, Rousseau, Hegel, Green etc. The philosophical approach starts with abstract idea of human nature. The philosophical approach draws generalizations from the view of human nature and functions and aim of the state. The philosophical approach is the oldest approach to the study of political science. This approach draws speculative picture about an ideal state. Philosophical approach provides political philosophy which contemplates on a just and standard state. According to Leo Strauss, Philosophical approach tries to establish a right or good political system. This approach concentrates on values, morality and reason.
However, the philosophical approach has its own limitations. It is abstract and imaginative. It is far from reality. The common people cannot understand the abstract philosophical ideas which are divorced from reality and based on purely imaginative assumptions.
The historical approach study politics on the basis of experience in the history of states. Historical approach gives importance on the needs for inspiration and refreshment from the past. It is inductive in nature. The historical approach is based on the observation and study of historical facts. To understand efficiently about the state, one has to study it from past to present. That’s why while dealing with political science one gets automatically connected with history. History provides required raw materials to political science.
A large portion of history is dominated by political events. Historical approach regards history as the key for interpreting the future. In the light of the past, one can draw conclusions for the future. According to Gilchrist the source of experiments of political science is history; they rest on observation and experience. Every change in the front of government, every law passed, every way is an experiment in political science.
The critics said that, the study of political science should not rely solely on the past. The analysis of politics should be free from prejudices and pre-suppositions based on history.
4. What do you understand by the term “Political Science”? Discuss about the nature of political science.
Ans : Different scholars have defined Political Science in different way. According to Paul Janet “Political Science is that part of Social Science which treats the foundations of the state and the principles of the government. According to Garner “Political Science begins and ends with the state”. Traditionally political science was regarded as the study of state. For a long period, political science dealt with the study of government and state. But after the second world war, the dimension of political science has changed. Now a days political science is concerned with the study of political institutions, political processes, political activities, and political behaviour.
In consonance with the requirements of scientific method political science proceeds by the following steps:
(a) Observation: Relies on sense experience alone and rules out super natural or metaphysical consation.
(b) Generalization: Based on observation of regularities leading to establishing the relation and corelation between different factors or variables. This may either be obtained by the inductive method or by the deductive method. Generalization must be expressed in the form of a general rule, preferably in quantitative terms, which should be capable of verification by experimentation.
(c) Explanation: Consists in giving reasons for the general rule, for without such reasoning any observation of correlation might be a mere coincidence; explanation alone will make particular events, situations or tendencies meaningful and finally.
(d) prediction and Prescription: prediction and Prescription so that in the light of known facts and general rules, their possible outcome could be known and measures for achieving such objectives as higher efficiency, stability, satisfaction, etc. could be suggested.
Behavioural approach to the study of politics insists on studying the actual behaviour of human beings in a political situation rather than describing salient features of political institutions and their legal position. In the behavioural approach formal political institutions are dissolved into systems and processes so as to focus attention on the actual behaviour of political actors, which alone is capable of scientific study.
However, post behavioural approach insists on making the achievements of political science sub-servient to human values, and ends. Hence, it heralds revival of concern with values without compromising scientific method for the study of facts. In short, post behaviouralism calls for application of political science for overcoming the prevailing crises in various spheres of human life.
5. Distinguish between Traditional and Contemporary Approaches.
Ans : The study of politics has a very long tradition. Several approaches have been adopted for this purpose. Broadly speaking, the approaches which remained largely in vague till the end of the Second World War (1945) are described as traditional approaches while those which were developed thereafter are known to be contemporary approaches. The traditional approaches to the study of politics have not become all outdated, but they are no longer favoured by the champions of the contemporary approaches.
It is not possible to furnish any comprehensive lists of the traditional or contemporary approaches. It is not possible to furnish any comprehensive lists of the traditional or contemporary approaches. Truly speaking, they do not represent water light compartments, although some of their distinctive feature might be identified. A few decades ago it was argued that the contemporary approaches focus on facts while traditional approaches focus on values. This view is no longer upheld. The traditional study of politics was dominated by the study of philosophy, history, law and institutions. Hence, philosophical, historical, legal and institutional approaches are usually identified as traditional approaches. On the other hand, contemporary approaches are faced with the problem of the identify of the discipline.
They particularly focus on phenomenon of politics as a process as manifested in the behaviour of different actors in a political situation which is sought to be studied by scientific method. Hence, ‘behavioural approach is a typically contemporary approaches. Then politics as process is sought to be analysed by using different models of political analysis. All these models fall within the preview of the contemporary approach.
6. Discuss about Empirical and Normative Approach.
Ans : Although contemporary political science gives prominence to empirical approach and traditional study of politics was dominated by normative approach, it cannot be assumed that the distinction between empirical and normative approaches reflects distinction between contemporary and traditional approaches. Infact, some features of empirical as well as normative approaches are found both in the traditional and contemporary approaches.
Broadly speaking, the empirical approach seeks to discover and describe facts whereas the normative approach seeks to determine and prescribe values. The empirical approach aims at making an empirical statement which is concerned with ‘is’ whereas the normative approach aims at making a normative statement which is concerned with what ‘ought to be’ or ‘should be’. However, these forms of expression can not be followed literally as the criterion of discussion between the two approaches.
The crucial point is that an empirical statement is concerned with a situation which can be observed by our sense experience, which can be verified by repeated observation and whose accuracy can be tested. On the other hand, a Normative statement tends of express preferences for a particular type of order as dictated by a sense of duty or universal need or by commitment to a moral principle or ideal. While strong arguments may be advanced in supported of a normative statement, it is not capable of being discovered, described or verified by our sense experience. For example, ‘what is Justice – this question may be answered in several ways, such as’ Justice is treating equals equally and unequals unequally’, or ‘justice is giving equal freedom and equal opportunity to all provided any departure from equal distribution will prove beneficial to the least advantage etc. Critics of the normative approach argue that the empirical approach is objective whereas the normative approach is subjective.
The terminology adopted by empirical and normative approaches for approval or disapproval of any proposition creates confusion at times. The categories ‘true or false’, ‘right or wrong’ may have different meanings in the context of say, mathematical and moral questions. It is sometimes assumed that empirical approach refers to ‘true or false’, ‘right or wrong’ as absolute categories while normative approach treats them as conditional.
Finally, the empirical approach remains largely descriptive while the normative approach is mainly prescriptive. Empirical approach seeks to discover laws that are dealterable, hence, they are beyond man’s control, one can discover and describe them. Normative approach is concerned with law and conditions largely created or adopted by human society. Which are alterable; one can examine how far they are morally right or wrong and then prescribe the right course.
7. Discuss the philosophical approach to the study of political science.
Ans : In the first place philosophical approach is concerned with the certification of concepts used in particular discipline. According to Vernon Van Dyke “a philosophical analysis is an effort to clarify thought about the nature of the subjects and about ends and means in studying It. Put more generally a person who takes a philosophical approach to a subject aims to enhance linguistic clarity and to reduce linguistic confusion; he assumes that the language used in description reflects conceptions of reality, and he wants to make conceptions of reality as clear, consistent, coherent, and helpful as possible.’
Secondly, the philosophical approach aims at evolving standards of right and wrong for the purpose of a critical evaluation of the existing institution.
Most of the classical political theory represents philosophical approach. It’s themes are generally concerned with moral reasoning which can not be subjected scientific test although the empirical aspect of such reasoning can always be quations. Moreover, the moral aspect of such reasoning can also be quationes from the viewpoint of our ‘modern consciousness.’ For instance, Kant’s concept of ‘human dignity’ which rules out any type of slavery, is closer to modern consciousness than Aristotle’s defence of slavery. The philosophical approach does not simply rely on the political thought of the past; it is a subject of current and continuous debate.
Political philosophy mainly dwelled on the logic of the grounds and limits of political obligation. Concepts of individual rights and revolution are by product of this debate. Conception of freedom, equality and justice are extensions of the theories of rights. The concept of democracy denotes an effort to translate the concepts of individual rights into concrete political institutions. Again, concepts of authoritarian, Totalitarianism and fascism, etc. largely represent the negative side of this effort. Of the contemporary championes of the philosophical approach to the study of politics, Leo Strauss is the most outstanding.
According to German-American Political Philosopher and Classicist Strauss, political science and political philosophy are coterminous, they denote an attempt to obtain true knowledge of political things as well as the standards of the right and the good. Political philosophy is a product of our quest for good life and good society. Values as well as facts are indispensable part of political philosophy which enable us to undertake a critical and coherent analysis of political institution and activities. Without such analysis, assumptions regarding the political things take the character of opinions political philosophy seeks to replace opinion by knowledge, as originally postulates by Socrates.
8. Discuss the legal approach to the study of political science.
Ans : Legal approach stands for an attempt to understand politics in terms of law. If focuses it’s attention on the legal and constitutional framework in which different organs of government have to function, inquires into their respective legal position, their powers and the procedures which makes their action legally valid. For instance, legal approach to Indian politics will proceed to analyse legal implications of various provisions of the Indian constitution, duly documented by the decisions of the Supreme Court of India as well as by the opinions of legal luminaries, procedure of formation and legal position of the two houses of the Indian Parliament and state legislatures, procedure of election or appointment, powers, and position of the President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Central and State Cabinets, etc. role and powers of the Supreme Court of India and High courts, full legal implication of the Federal set up, position of Fundamental rights and Directive principles of state policy, etc. Similarly, legal approach to international politics will legally tend to analyse it in terms of the requirements of international law.
The legal approach may prove inadequate in understanding the complex political forces, processes and behaviour which might operate outside legal formal framework, yet it is not entirely insignificant. According to Vernon Van Dyke, “Not is a legal approach to be disparaged. After all both the procedures and the substance of political action at every level are often controlled by law. In the field of both domestic and international politics, law frequently prescribed the action to be taken in given contingencies, it also forbids action or fixes the limits of permissible action.” Moreover, all political processes to become effective and stable must culminate in legal provisions whether it is an independence movement in a colonised country or an agitation for civil rights or certain concessions for any sections of society. Besides, the study of constitutional law, etc. in spite of its limited use in understanding politics, continues to play a pivotal role in the social and political life of almost every country.
9. Discuss about the Institutional Approach.
Ans : Institutional Approach is closely related to legal approach, yet it is different. Significantly, this approach does not solely bank on other disciplines-philosophy, history or law for understanding politics. Amongst the traditional approaches it alone gives independent identity to the systematic study of politics.
Traditional politics has been defined as the study of state and government. Government itself is an institution, and its various organs – such as Parliament, Cabinet and Supreme Court etc. respectively the legislature, executive and the judiciary may also be recognised as institutions. Political parties which exist separately are also institutions in their own right. There are lots of other institutions in society, such as, family, school church, or club.
In short, an institution is a set of offices and agencies arranged in a hierarchy, where each office or agency has certain functions and powers.
Accordingly, the unholders of the institutional approach proceeds to study the organisation and functioning of government, its various organs, political parties and other institutions affecting politics. Classification of governments, starting from Aristotle to modern classification, identification of levels of government as well as benches of government, composition and powers of each of these and their inter relationship etc. Are the chief concerns of this approach. It aims at giving an elaborate description and facts. Hence, it exemplifies a shift from normative to empirical approach, and form a historical to a contemporary concern within the sphere of traditional approaches. However, it relies heavily on description rather than explanation. Hence, it fails to qualify as a contemporary approach.
Other drawbacks of institutional approach are:
(a) With its pre-occupation with the institutions, it neglected the individuals, hence during the ascendancy of this approach, the study of voting behaviour and political attitudes of the individuals was left to sociologists.
(b) In the absence of over arching institutions govering international politics it practically neglected the study of international politics.
(c ) Being concerned with the established institution alone, it neglected the role of violence or threat of violence, political movements and agitations, war and revolution, etc.
(d) It neglected the role of informal groups and processes in shaping politics.
However, institution form a very important part of politics. Any discussion of politics without reference to the corresponding instructions will lead us nowhere. Moreover, in the present day turmoil, particularly in the developing countries, constitution making and institution building is the order of the day. Institutional approach is inadequate in itself. But any other approach will also be incomplete without paying due attention to institution.
10. Importance of the study of political science. Discuss.
Ans : The study of political science is very useful and valuable.
The importance of the political science is discussed below:
(a) Importing knowledge of the state: To inculcate knowledge of the state, its origin, nature, structure and functions is the primary aim of the study of political science.
(b) Imparting knowledge of government and administration: In order to perform their function with efficiency and conduct the affairs of the state the administrator, political leaders and diplomats also require sound knowledge of political science.
(c) Imparting knowledge about the world: To acquisition of knowledge of Political science enriches one’s mind and widens one’s intellectual horizon. In the modern age an individual cannot lead an isolated life. In order to know what is happening in the world around us at least an elementary knowledge of political science is necessary.
(d) Creation of democratic values: The success of democracy depends upon the political consciousness of its people. So, the study of political science has assumed special importance in modern times in all democratic countries. The study of political science makes people conscious of their rights and duties.
(e) Creation of good citizenship: Political science teaches the lessons and virtues of good citizenship. The study of political science is valuable for creating good citizenship and securing unity of the nation.
(f) Lesson co-operation and toleration: Political science also teaches the lesson of co-operation, adjustment and toleration. Toleration is also necessary in society.
So, the study of political science has special importance in all countries. It’s study helps us to understand the mechanism and constitutional systems of modern government.
