SCIENCE OF POLITICS (POLITICS AS SCIENCE)
Over
the years, there has been a controversy among scholars (the behaviorists and
traditionalists) on whether the study of politics is science or not. In the
first instance, what is science? Science is defined as the observation,
identification, verification, experimental investigation and theoretical
explanation of natural phenomena. Simply put, science is an organized body of
knowledge as well as method and system of deriving truth. In corroboration to
the above definitions, an American humorist, Josh Billing (1818 – 1885) asserts
that “science is the literature of truth”.
Sequel
to the above, it can be deduced that scientific knowledge seems to mean any
body of systematic knowledge of well-defined area of inquiry.
Be
that as it may, for adequate understanding, the following are some of the
assumption and principle that characterised scientific knowledge;
a) Observation and empiricism:
This is based on what is observable, verification and experimentation in a
laboratory setting.
b) Value-free or objectivity:
This is done to pave way for adequate accuracy in presentation of fact premised
on reliable strategy. A good example is statistics and mathematics.
c) Universal law or generalization:
This is based on the formulation of general conception from specific instances
by abstracting common properties.
d) Systematization:
This refers to interrelated parts of coherent and orderly body of knowledge and
data analysis with the aim of sorting out the similarities and differences and
organizing them into a particular standard or structure.
e) Construction theory:
This is the collection of logically related generalization to explain events
and situations as well as projecting into the future and theory not supported
with data would be useless or futile.
From
the above explanation, it can be hurriedly conclude that, the science of
politics (political science) employ scientific methodology such as collection
of data, empirical analysis, observation, techniques, rigorous explanation etc
as mentioned above to explain political phenomenon.
For
instance, political scientists make use of ‘observation’ which permits analyst
to know what influence or induce man to vote in an election (this may be due to
monetary purpose).
Moreso,
political scientists emphasize on how best to govern a society to ensure
peaceful co-existence of individuals living in the society.
Furthermore,
political scientists are able to carry out research devoid of value judgment
and personal idiosyncrasy thereby objectivity in its study.
Not
only that, through scientific methodology or tools, political scientists are
able to predict and generalize political phenomenon.
CRITICISM/LIMITATION OF POLITICS AS
SCIENCE
1.
It is often said that there is no
uniformity in human behavior because human beings are capable of changing their
behavior at any point in times. Therefore, politics as science is limited.
2.
Human beings as the main object of study
are not amendable to mere experimental investigation.
3.
Pure science of politics is not
possible. This is because the study of politics cannot be science in any
realistic sense of the term.
4.
It is arduous to derive generalization
or universal law. This is based on the fact that scholars are divided on the
study of politics. For instance, while Aristotle believes democracy,
aristocracy and polity, Plato chooses philosopher king.
In the final analysis,
science of politics is referred to as science because it follows strictly the
methods and procedures of science. The only hindrance is human beings, which
are not subjected to experimental investigation. Therefore it is worthwhile to
note that science of politics cannot be done as that of pure science.
OLAYIWOLA OLAMIDE
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