Nature of Politics Politics: Science or Art?

The scientific approach Generally described as a process in which investigators move from observations to hypothesis (inductive reasoning) or from hypothesis to logical implications of the hypothesis (deductive reasoning). The scientific approach demands the following be accomplished: -terms and concepts be defined to provide specific meanings throughout the discipline -research be set out in the form of empirically tested hypotheses -the investigation be capable of precise repetition, in other words, one must be able to replicate the steps -research be free of the bias of the researchers values

Political Science A subject which examines or studies the processes whereby binding decisions are made. Is a study of the decisions themselves and the nature of the decisions taken and their impact (Munro 1993). As a discipline it involves the study of political ides, institutions, processes and events mainly concerned with the government of states (Marshall 1996).

It is essentially multidisciplinary in scope drawing from law, history, ethics, philosophy and other subjects.  Graham Wallas and Arthur Bentley were influential in starting a new approach to the study of politics, i.e an empirical orientation of political studies which would lead to an examination of political concepts such as power, authority, and political elites. They were the fore-runners of the behaviourists.

 Behaviouralism is the attempt to generate and test verifiable scientific explanations about politics, its structures, processes and behaviour within these structures.  Emphasis is placed on quantification and operational definitions, the avoidance of value judgments; feedback is encouraged between empirical research and improvements in methodology.  It effects on the discipline was to encourage attempts to establish a science of politics.

Critique of Political ‘Science’ Thomas Kuhn (1962) argued that science is characterized by a commitment to a scientific paradigm ( a framework that gives organization and direction to a given area of scientific investigation). Key elements of a paradigmatic science are: -concepts that provide answer to the ‘what’ questions -a theory i.e. a set of related generalisations that answers ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions -rules of interpretations that establish whether the predictions posited by the theory are right or wrong -the identification of puzzles indicates whether the questions are worth solving.

Critique 1: Politics is not scientific in comparison to ‘real’ sciences, i.e. the natural sciences, because it lacks a paradigm. Researchers have not agreed upon a single set of concepts, theories and rules of interpretation and there is disagreement on the puzzles and problems that ought to be solved. Judged by Kuhn’s standard political science is classified as pre- paradigmatic. Critique 2: Its subject matter, i.e. the political world, defies generalization. It is too complex and unpredictable for systematic generalizations.

Critique 3 Its ‘scientists’ cannot be objective. The political scientist lacks objectivity as his analysis of the world is coloured by his values, culture, ideas, life experiences, etc. Critique 4 Political scientists tend to used different approaches in examining political realities. Critique 5 The use of the scientific approach diverts attention away from the crucial questions of politics, e.g. what social goals and ends should be valued.

Politics as Science The case for politics as a science rests on four premises; -Distinction can be made between fact and values -Facts can be demonstrated -Knowledge is objective -Humans react to stimuli

It is disputed whether politics is really a science and detractors point out that for politics to be termed a science, it must: -be judged by the same standards of scientific validity that are applied to the natural sciences - attempt to discover, test and refine hypotheses and construct valid theories. Others avoid these problems altogether and make politics an art i.e. they see it as based on ethics, fairness and justice.

Politics as ‘Art’ Heywood: Politics is the art of government, ie. the exercise of control within society through the making and enforcement of collective decisions. Easton: politics is seen in the processes through which government responds to pressures from the wider society.

References Ball, Alan. Modern Government and Politics Barry, N. P. An Introduction to Modern Political Theory Danziger, James. Understanding the Political World. Haralambos & Holborn. Introduction to Sociology Harris, P. B. Foundations of Political Science Heywood, Andrew. Politics