SCIENCE OF POLITICS (POLITICS AS SCIENCE)

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Introduction

Over the years, the nature of political studies has generated intense intellectual controversy, particularly between two major schools of thought: the traditionalists and the behaviorists. At the core of this debate lies a fundamental question: Can politics truly be regarded as a science? While some scholars strongly affirm this position, others remain skeptical, arguing that politics lacks the essential attributes that define scientific inquiry.

To properly address this debate, it is imperative to first understand the meaning of science. Science is commonly defined as a systematic process involving observation, identification, verification, experimentation and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena. Simply put, science represents an organized body of knowledge governed by established methods and procedures for discovering truth. Supporting this view, the American humorist Josh Billings (1818–1885) famously described science as “the literature of truth,” emphasizing its commitment to accuracy, consistency and reliability.

From these explanations, scientific knowledge may be understood as any structured and systematic body of knowledge that focuses on a clearly defined area of inquiry and follows logical and verifiable methods. Science, therefore, is not merely about subject matter but also about method—how knowledge is acquired, tested and validated.

Aristotle political philosophy
Aristotle (384 - 322 BC) source: Wikipedia


Features and Assumptions of Science

For a clearer understanding of scientific inquiry, certain assumptions and principles are commonly identified as its defining features.

Observation and Empiricism

One of the fundamental characteristics of science is observation and empiricism. Scientific knowledge is grounded in what can be observed, tested, verified, and, where possible, experimented upon—often within controlled environments such as laboratories. This principle emphasizes reliance on evidence rather than speculation or assumptions.

Objectivity or Value-Free Inquiry

Another important principle is value-free inquiry, otherwise known as objectivity. Scientific investigation seeks to eliminate personal bias, emotions and subjective judgments in order to ensure accuracy and reliability. Disciplines such as mathematics and statistics exemplify this principle because conclusions are derived strictly from data and logical calculation rather than personal opinions.

Formulation of General Laws

Science also involves the formulation of general laws or generalizations. Through repeated observation and analysis, scientists identify patterns and regularities that help explain phenomena and, in some cases, predict future occurrences. These generalizations form the basis of scientific understanding.

Systematization

Systematization is another major feature of science. It involves organizing facts and data into a coherent, orderly and interrelated body of knowledge. Through comparison, classification, and analysis, similarities and differences are identified and arranged into a structured framework that enhances understanding.

Theory Construction

Finally, science involves the construction of theories. A theory consists of logically connected generalizations that explain events, relationships and processes while also attempting to forecast future outcomes. However, any theory unsupported by empirical evidence is considered weak or unreliable within scientific inquiry.


Why Politics is Considered a Science

Based on these scientific principles, proponents of political science argue that the study of politics qualifies as a science because it employs several scientific methods and procedures. Political scientists systematically collect data, conduct empirical research, apply analytical tools and use observation and logical reasoning to explain political behavior and institutions.

For example, through observation and data analysis, political scientists examine factors that influence voting behavior during elections. Such behavior may be shaped by ethnicity, ideology, economic conditions, party loyalty, religion, or even monetary inducements. By studying these patterns, political scientists are able to explain and, to some extent, predict electoral outcomes.

Moreover, political science is deeply concerned with the organization and governance of society. It seeks to identify the most effective systems of governance capable of promoting peace, stability, justice and harmonious coexistence among individuals. In this sense, political inquiry is not only analytical but also practical.

In addition, political scientists strive to conduct research that is as objective as possible, minimizing value judgments and personal biases. Through surveys, statistical models, comparative politics, and behavioral analysis, political phenomena are examined in ways that resemble scientific investigation.

Furthermore, by applying scientific tools and methodologies, political scientists attempt to develop generalizations and predictions about political behavior, institutions and governmental processes. This predictive element strengthens the argument that politics possesses scientific qualities.


Criticisms of Politics as a Science

Despite these arguments, the conception of politics as a science is not without criticisms and limitations.

Human Behavior is Unpredictable

One major criticism is that human behavior lacks uniformity. Unlike natural phenomena, human beings are unpredictable and capable of changing their attitudes and behavior at any time. This unpredictability makes it difficult to establish fixed laws comparable to those found in the natural sciences.

Difficulty of Controlled Experimentation

Secondly, human beings - the central subjects of political study - cannot easily be subjected to controlled experimentation. Ethical, moral, and practical limitations prevent political scientists from experimenting on humans in the same manner as natural scientists experiment on physical objects or chemical substances.

Politics is Value-Laden

Another limitation is the argument that pure political science is unattainable because politics is deeply connected with values, norms, culture, morality and ideology. Consequently, complete objectivity becomes difficult to achieve. Some scholars therefore argue that politics cannot be scientific in the strict sense of the word.

Absence of Universal Laws

Additionally, deriving universal laws in politics remains extremely difficult because scholars often disagree on fundamental political principles and systems. For instance, Aristotle advocated systems such as democracy, aristocracy, and polity, whereas Plato preferred the rule of philosopher-kings. Such disagreements reveal the absence of universal consensus, thereby weakening the claim that politics can produce universally accepted laws.


Conclusion

In the final analysis, political science is regarded as a science primarily because it adopts many of the methods, procedures, and analytical techniques associated with scientific inquiry. Through observation, data collection, classification, comparison, and theory-building, political scientists attempt to explain and predict political phenomena systematically.

However, the scientific nature of politics is constrained by the complexity and unpredictability of human behavior. Unlike the natural sciences, political science cannot rely entirely on experimentation, precision, or universally accepted laws. Consequently, while politics may not qualify as a pure science, it remains a systematic and disciplined field of study that applies scientific methods to the understanding of political life.


References

Aristotle. (1992). Politics (T. A. Sinclair, Trans.). Penguin Books. (Original work published ca. 350 B.C.E.)

Chandler, R. C., & Plano, J. C. (1988). The public administration dictionary (2nd ed.). ABC-CLIO.

. (1965). A systems analysis of political life. Wiley.

. (2007). The republic (D. Lee, Trans.). Penguin Classics. (Original work published ca. 380 B.C.E.)

Van Dyke, V. (1960). Political science: A philosophical analysis. Stanford University Press.

Wallensteen, P. (2015). Understanding conflict resolution (4th ed.). Sage Publications.

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