Oscar Education: Nature of Political Science

There is a great deal of controversy among scholars about whether Political Science is a Science or an Art.
Aristotle considered it as the 'master science'.
Other modern writers like Godwin, Hobbes, Vico, Hume, Frederick Pollock, John Seely, and Lord Bryce consider it a science.
On the other hand, scholars like Mosca, Burke, Buckle, Comte, Maitland question its claim as a science since it has failed to act up to the standard of science.

It is a science:

Systematic Study is possible
Experiments are possible (the whole world is a laboratory)
Objective Study is possible (It does not deal with lifeless things but man, his mind and his institutions which undergo constant changes)

1. Lack of Consensus on Nature of Political Science:

There is no agreement among political scientists as to its methods, principles and conclusions.

2. No Certainty and Universality in the Laws of Political Science:

It lacks uniform principles or laws that are universally valid.
The generalizations of the natural sciences are frequently described as laws.
But the generalizations put forward by social sciences including Political Science are endlessly disputed as they do not possess the same degree of certainty or universality.
At best, they are 'tendencies', not 'laws'.

3. No Predictability:

The political behaviour of man is unpredictable and hence it is difficult to arrive at exact and definite views and conclusions.
Generalizations in social sciences lack the quality of predictability which is regarded as a major characteristic of the 'laws' of natural sciences.
The latter make forecasts about future developments possible.

4. No Law of Cause and Effect:

There are many laws in natural science - a particular cause will lead to a particular effect.
But this does not happen in Political Science.
There is no certainty that the factors which caused the French Revolution of 1789 will lead to a similar revolution in another country.

5. Not Possible to Conduct Experiments in any Laboratory:

It is impossible to apply to Political Science rigorous scientific methods of investigation.
General statements are difficult to establish because of the problem of their verifiability.
Political phenomena are characterized by uncertainty, variableness and a lack of order and continuity.
Laboratory experiments are not possible in Political Science as in the case of Physics or Chemistry.
Social phenomena based on human behaviour are constantly undergoing change and are more difficult to control.
Political Science is primarily a science of observation, and not of experiment.

6. No Neutrality and Objectivity:

Objectivity which characterizes the study of physical sciences is lacking in political studies.
Political scientists cannot take a totally impartial, value neutral attitude in dealing with political issues and affairs.
The subjective bias of the political observer colours his judgment of political problems and his findings may be one-sided.

Political Science is both a science and an art.
An art is defined as the practical application of knowledge for the achievement of a particular end.
Political Science is a body of systematized knowledge which can be applied in drafting a constitution, in day to day administration, in legislation, in foreign policy and above all in bringing about all round development of the state.
Thus the knowledge of Political Science is made use of by statesmen, diplomats, administrators, social reformers and activists to achieve their objectives.
The knowledge of Political Science is not merely of theoretical value, but it has practical utility.

It will suffice to say in conclusion that Political Science is mainly an art.
Its knowledge is utilized for the good of all.
Further, as a result of significant use of behavioral method which is scientific in nature, political science is becoming a science.
Thus, Political Science is a combination of art and science.

Oscar Education