Political Science
Introduction
Political science is a social science discipline that deals with systems of governance and the analysis of political activities, political thoughts, and political behavior. It extensively deals with the theory and practice of politics which is commonly thought of as determining the distribution of power and resources. Political scientists "see themselves engaged in revealing the relationships underlying political events and conditions, and from these revelations they attempt to construct general principles about the way the world of politics works."
History
The roots of political science are traceable to the ancient world, where the study of political philosophy was intertwined with ethics, economics, and metaphysics. The works of Plato and Aristotle are foundational to political science, with Aristotle's Politics being one of the first comprehensive works in the field.
The history of political science as a separate field is a recent phenomenon, with the term "political science" first appearing in the 19th century. The discipline gained prominence in the 20th century, particularly during the post-World War II era, as governments around the world sought to understand and address societal issues and conflicts.
Subfields
Political science is divided into several subfields, each focusing on a different aspect of the political process. These include:
Political Theory
Political theory is a subfield of political science that focuses on the philosophical and theoretical underpinnings of politics. It explores concepts such as democracy, justice, freedom, and equality, and analyzes the works of major political philosophers.
Comparative Politics
Comparative politics involves comparing political systems to find common patterns and explain differences. This subfield can involve studying the politics of different countries, or comparing different types of political systems, such as democracies and autocracies.
International Relations
International relations is the study of relationships between countries, including the roles of states, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations.
Public Administration
Public administration involves the implementation of government policy and the behavior of public servants. It is related to the fields of public law and public policy.
Political Economy
Political economy is the study of how politics and economics interact. It explores how political institutions, the political environment, and the economic system influence each other.
Methodology
Political science, like other social sciences, uses a variety of research methods. These include statistical analysis, case studies, comparative research, and field research. The choice of method often depends on the research question being asked.
Impact and Applications
Political science has a wide range of practical applications. It can inform policy decisions, guide the creation of new laws, and help predict political behavior. It is also a valuable tool for understanding and interpreting current events.
Criticisms and Controversies
Like any discipline, political science has been subject to various criticisms. Some critics argue that the field is too theoretical and lacks practical relevance. Others contend that political science research is biased, either consciously or unconsciously, by the personal beliefs of the researchers.