Politics - Different Concepts

Hello students,
Today we are going to study about the ‘different terms’ related with ‘Politics’ and
also ‘different concepts’ behind them.

In addition to this, we will cover the topics like –

Political Science
Political Theory
Political Philosophy
Political Thoughts
Politics

We will try to analyse them,

How they are interwoven?

What is their origin?

And many other interesting facts, definitions and analysis about them.

Political science-
The story of political science is very old. That was about 2500 years ago. Greece was
divided into small towns. Many of these city-states were inspired with a dignified life
in terms of civilization, literature and culture. Athens, especially a small city state,
had then become the land of attraction of artists and scholars. There was an ugly
man in Athens – Socrates. Who was absolutely stupid, one cool person. But a great
scholar. The youth surrounded him from all sides. Wherever he went, they would all
be with him. They asked him a variety of questions which he answers. He solves
everyone's doubts. But he himself would raise new questions and then, answer
them. After Socrates, his disciples Plato gave a new twist to this steam of thoughts.
He developed a new tenderness in it. Then came Aristotle. The disciple of the Plato,
who further shaped the philosophy of the Plato and enhanced it. He separated the
knowledge of state and man from other sciences and gave the form of a new science.

In the Greek city-states, the philosophy that Socrates flowed, which Plato moved
forward, Aristotle gave it a clean and distinctive look, that steam flowed for
thousands of years in Europe. It flourished more at the hands of many scholars. This
stream became political science.
But wait! When this process of philosophy was going on in the city states of Greece,
at that time this stream of philosophy had got a prestigious place in India. The
Mahabharata era had passed and the authors of Mahabharata had established
political science as the Raj Religion and had also said that Raj Dharma is the greatest
of all religions. Manu described it as "Dandaniti" in his book Manusmriti. Kautilya
wrote a great book like "Arthashastra", calling politics "Dandaniti". But the journey
stopped midway. Because no one carried it forward. The same thing happened in
China. There too, Confucius had started this process, which remained there under
the noise of halaku and genghis.

Yes, the stream of political science that began to flow in Greece in the West
continued to flow. Even the cruel empire of Rome could not suppress that. That
darkness has been flowing secretly even for many centuries. In the Middle Ages,
Machiavelli made it realistic and he left it at the gates of modernity. Bonda gave him
the principle of sovereignty. Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau added a new story regarding
the origin of the state. Montesquieu gave the principle of separation of power.
Today political science is a systematic science. There is a specific area of study. Now
it has become so developed that many concepts of knowledge science have started
to emerge from it – such as public administration, human rights, etc.

As The story of political science begins with the Greek city states. So, it is natural that
the nomenclature, meaning, definition, etc. of political science should also have
some connection with those city states.

Life in the ancient Greek city states was collective and enthusiastic. There was direct
democracy in some city states. All the people directly participated in the work of
governance. They made laws themselves and followed them themselves. They not
only chose their ruler but also got the opportunity to rule themselves.
In fact, the "city state" was the center of all the political activities of man in Greece.
This city state had become the center of the study of politics in a way. This city state
was called "Polis" in Greek language. Later, the word "political science" came from
this "polis". Thus political science means one who studies the state. But later there
were some differences among the scholars. Someone said that political science does
not study the state but the government. Then some other scholars said that it
studies the political actions and behavior of man. In this way, many definitions of
political science began to emerge.

"Political Science begins and ends with the State."

-Garner

According to Blanchley - "Political science is that science which is related to the

state."

Seeley has said in very beautiful words - "Political Science investigates the
phenomena of Govern- ment as Political economy deals with wealth, Biology with
life, Algebra with numbers and Geometry with space and magnitude."
Dr. Leacock said, “Political Science is the discipline concerned with governance.”

According to Paul Janet "Political Science is that part of Social Science which treats of
the State and the principles of Government."

"In its historical aspects, Political Science deels with the origin of the state and with
the development of Political theories in the past....... In dealing with the present it
attemts to describe, and classify existing political institutions and ideas. Political
Science also looks to the future, to the improving of political organisations and
activities in the light of changing conditions and changing ethical standards."
explained by Gettel.

Modern Definition of Political Science

After the Second World War, there was a revolution in the field of Political Science, it
is called Behavioural Revolution. This revolution has tried to make political science a
pure science. After the Behaviouralist revolution, there was a change in many beliefs
of political science. Even new definitions of political science were also given.

Some scholars said that political science is not the science of state or governance but
it is a matter of power.

A scholar named Loswell said, “The concept of power is most important in political
science. The political process is the process of creation, distribution and exercise of
power."
Similarly, another scholar named Catlin said, "Political science must mean the science
of the study of power."

On the basis of these new concepts of political science, a famous modern political
scientist David Easton said, "Power has become the central concept of modern
political science."
According to Robson, “Power is such a basic concept that threads all the
departments of the study of politics into one thread.”

Apart from this, some modern political scientists believe that the origin is "Man". He
does many types of actions and behavior. Therefore, according to these scholars,
political science is the study of every political activity of man.
According to Don Bowen, "The function of Political Science is to study that part of the
total behavior of man, which is his political role."
Many other modern scholars see the state as a complete political system. Hence,
David Easton and Gabriel Amond consider political science as the theory of study of a
political system.

Most of the modern scholars consider political science as "The Study of the Political
Activities of Man." This is also right, because power, authority, political system etc.
are all the result of political activities of man.

In the end we can say that political science is the science of the state, governance
and the study of political activities of man. This is the science of politics.

Political Theory

Ideological principles and values like Democracy, Independence and Equality are
studied under 'Political Theory'. These principles inspire the public and guide the
policies made by the government. Every democratic country tries to secure and
ensure them through its constitution. The historical process of development of
political theory is very wide, starting with Kautilya, Plato and Aristotle and going on
from Rousseau, Karl Marx, Vivekanand till the present. The debates in the context of
political theory have enriched the journey of its development and strengthened the
constitutions of different nations.

Utility Of Political Theory

1. The important objectives of human life are fulfilled through political goals and
this political action takes concrete form through principles. The mixed form of
different opinions has to keep the human being happy.
2. Political Theory Helps in Understanding the Reality.
3. This helps in presenting scientific explanation.
4. This principle is applicable to all professionals; For example, it is relevant for
politicians, teachers, bureaucrats, lawyers, judges, etc., but theory has no meaning
for non-professionals or less educated people. They understand realism and its
practical aspects.
5. Political theory catalyzes political movement.
6. The political principle does the work of fertilizing and making various
revolutions flourish.
7. Political theory provides the basis for new human values and utility.
8. Legitimacy is provided to social changes and governance systems, only by
political principles.
9. In this way, freedom, equality, social justice, rights, citizenship, nationality,
secularism, peace, development etc. are reimbursed only through political principles.

Areas Of Political Theory

• Study of power
• Study of political parties
• Study of Political Ideology
• Study of rights and duties
• Study of communities and institutions
• Study of political behavior
• Study of scientific method.

Types Of Political Theory

At present political theory is generally divided into three parts:

1. Traditional Political Theory

2. Modern Political Theory

3. Contemporary Political Theory

1. The influence of "philosophy" is seen on the traditional political theory.

2. Modern political theory is dominated by "facts and science".

3. In contemporary political theory, an attempt is made to adopt both traditional and

modern political theory.

Since contemporary political theory includes both traditional and modern political
theory, we will only talk about traditional and modern political theory here.

Traditional Political Theory

In the western world, the group of beliefs and concepts which have been prevalent
before the Second World War, is given the name of traditional political theory.

Many political thinkers have contributed in the creation and development of

traditional political theory; Like-Plato, Aristotle, St. Thomas Aquinas, Hobbes, Locke,
Rousseau, Montesquieu, Kant, Hegel etc.

In ancient Greece and Rome, the concepts of philosophy, ethics, logic, history and
law were made the basis for the formation of political theory, but in the medieval
period mainly Christianity was made the basis for the formation of political theory.
After the 16th century renaissance movement, the concept of nation-state with
emphasis on freedom from religion, Delivered. Industrial Revolution, Glorious
Revolution, American and French Revolution developed the traditional political
theory in the form of liberal democratic political theory.

At a glance we can find and see, these characteristics of traditional political theory -

• Traditional political theory is influenced by philosophy. In fact, these political

scientists have created the political philosophy, branch of knowledge, with the
combination of political science and philosophy and have created political theory on
the basis of it. For example; Rousseau's concept of general will is derived from
political philosophy. Impressed by the philosophy, many political scientists also
adopted concepts like suffix, divine law, natural law for the construction of political
theory.

• Sheldon Vaulin writes in his book 'Politics and Vision' that "philosophically,
traditional political theory seeks to find a rational basis for “Belief” and politically, it
seeks a reliable basis for “Action”.”

• Traditional political theory considers political totality as the “fundamental unit” of

analysis.

• Traditional political theory gives importance to the study of the “whole element of
the state”.

• Traditional political theory, being focused on the study of the state, lays emphasis
on maintaining stability, balance and harmony in the state. This is the reason why
traditional political thinkers considered the causes of conflict, anarchy, instability and
revolution.

• Traditional political theory considered values and norms as the “goal” of political
activities. Almost all traditional political thinkers have given important place to
equality, freedom etc. in politics.

• In traditional political theory, emphasis is given on the comparative study of

politics.

• Traditional political theory emphasizes on adopting the best political system, while
studying different political systems.

• The main study methods of traditional political theory are- historical, analytical,
normative and descriptive.
• There have been limited changes in the field of traditional political theory. In fact,
the characteristics of continuity and consent are prominently visible in its study area.
For a long time, its main study subjects have been - to prove the justification of the
state and the government, to present the illustration of the ideal state-system and to
explain the philosophical and value concepts of justice, freedom, sovereignty etc. In
the present times, traditional political science is giving special emphasis on freedom
and human rights of the individual.

2. Modern Political Theory

The emergence of modern political theory clearly dates back to the Second World
War. However, its initial signs were found only in the beginning of the 20th century.

Scholars like, Robert Dahl, Merriam, Catlin, Lasswell, V.O.V. Pinak, David Easton etc.
have played an important role, in the development of modern political theory. .

By analysing the main features , we can understand the concept of modern political
theory, in a better manner-

• Traditional political theory included the field of study of political science, the study
of State, Government, Political institutions and the study of individual-state
relations. But in modern political theory, the expansion of the subject area of
political science was emphasized. In modern political theory, politics means all those
activities and actions that affect public life. The field of study of modern political
theory includes the study of activities related to individual, group, society and all
human behavior.

• In modern political theory, more emphasis is given on Scientificity.

• In modern political theory Emphasis has been laid on realistic and value neutral
study.

• Inter-disciplinary approach is emphasized in modern political theory.

• Modern political theory emphasizes on collecting data, based on human sense

organs.

• In modern political theory, More Emphasis is given on empirical approach.

• In Modern political theory, instead of Fair and Unfair, right and wrong are
explained.
• In modern political theory, there is belief in the autonomy and originality of
political science.

• More Emphasis is placed on solving human problems.

Political Thought

Who is the founder of political thought?

Socrates: Widely considered the founder of Western political philosophy, via his
spoken influence on Athenian contemporaries; since Socrates never wrote anything,
much of what we know about him and his teachings comes through his most famous
student, Plato.

Who is the father of political thought?

Aristotle

Aristotle is regarded as the father of political science. He was a great Greek

philosopher.

What is the origin of political thought?

The origins of European political thought are in ancient Rome and Greece. Starting in
approximately 600 BCE, thinkers in these societies began to consider questions of
how to organize societies, as part of their more broad considerations of ethics and
how to live the good life.

What are the sources of political thought?

The official documents of the stages also serve as a tremendous source of political
thought. These include written constitutions, statutes and ordinances, court
decisions, charters, departmental reports, treaties, diplomatic correspondences,
state papers and the like.

What does political thought mean?

Political Thought deals with the normative aspect of Political Science. In this regard,
it demonstrates the limits to Political Science and allows us to understand what we
know and what We do not. Political Thought teaches us what questions to ask in
Political Science.
In other words we can say that-
Political Thought is the study of topics such as politics, liberty, justice, property,
rights, law, and the enforcement of a laws by authority in sach a manner that a
student can think in a different manner that is -
what they are?
why they are needed?
what, if anything, makes a government legitimate?
what rights and freedoms it should protect and why?

Political thought is the study of questions about power, justice, rights, law, and other
issues pertaining to governance.

Political thought involves the study of the history of political thought as well as
problems in contemporary political life that have a philosophical dimension..

The political thought explains to us about the political world and how we can create.
Understand the concepts of our political system, including democracy, equality,
individuality and justice. The political thought also makes us understand our present
political reality and other political principles.

Political Science and Politics -

As we studied earlier that the science in which we study the state government and
the state related activities of man, is called political science, but it is surprising that
many thinkers do not agree with this name. They give the name of this education
'Politics’.
Jellinek has said that- "There is no other science, other than political science, which
needs good vocabulary."
Due to the lack of a certain accepted terminology, Lowell has also said that - "The
study of political science lacks the first requirement of modern science, that is, it
lacks the terminologies comprehensible to educated people."

Then question arises that, from where this word “Politics” came in to existence?

Let us find out, something about this word - Politics

Aristotle titled his state book 'Politics'. The city-states of Greece and various
institutions related to them have been used in this book. It is clear that the use of the
word 'politics' was appropriate from this point of view. At present, thinkers like
Jellinek, Treitske, Sijwick want to name the science related to state and government
as 'politics’.
While scholars like Pollock, Aimas, Bezhat want to use 'science of politics' for this
science.
McKinney calls it the 'Theory of the State'.
Due to the use of the word 'politics' in a new meaning in the modern era, it would
not be appropriate to call the science related to state and government as 'politics’.
Now the word 'politics' is used for 'practical politics'. Gilchrist has said in this regard
that - "The word ‘politics’ now refers to the current problems of the government,
which are often more of an economic way than being a political way from a scientific
point of view. When we say that a certain person is very interested in politics, we
mean that the person is interested in current problems. For example, in many
questions like import-export, tax question, labor problem, mutual relations between
the Legislature and the Executive, towards which the law makers of the country
should pay attention or it is necessary to pay attention.

Gilchrist has again said that - "There may have been no objection, to the use of the
word 'politics' in ancient Greece, as both an art and a science, but in the present
circumscribed situation, it is not appropriate to use it, as a scientific term".

In short, in the modern era, the word 'politics' has come to be used in a narrower
sense. The meaning of 'politics' has come to be taken from practical politics.
'Politician' is the person who takes interest in political movements. Chachil, Mao,
Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Jawaharlal Nehru were skilled politicians. This means that they
took great interest in solving the current problems of their countries and achieved
success. It is also clear that the 'politics' of one country may be different from
another country. The politics of India and China are different from each other.
Similarly, the politics of Pakistan is different from that of India. Not only this, the
politics of different parties can be different even within a country.

Thus, even though scholars like Jellinek, Sijwick and Laski call the science related to
state and government as 'politics', but most of the modern thinkers name this
science as 'political science', which is also more appropriate.
It is clear from this analysis that, there is a gradual and comprehensive discussion of
political science. Political science is the historical, and philosophical interpretation of
the past, present and future of the state. The organization of government is also
included in this discussion. While making a distinction between politics and political
science, Blanchley says that- "Politics is more an art than a science, which is
concerned with the practical conduct or operation of the state, while political science
is concerned with the basis of the state, its essential nature, its form and from
development."
In short, for the study of state and government, the word 'political science' is more
appropriate than 'politics'.

Difference between Political Science and Political Theory

1. Political science is a broad subject while political theory is relatively less broad.
2. Both, theory and practice come in political science whereas only theory comes in
every political theory.
3. Political theory, political thinking, practical politics, government, political
organization, imaginative theory and experiential theory come in political science
whereas only empirical theory comes in political theory.

Difference between Political Theory and Political Philosophy

David Easton is of the opinion that only empiricist scientific political theory can be
called political theory in the true sense.
1. The basic element of political philosophy is idealism while the basic element of
political theory is pragmatism and realism.
2. Values are given more importance in political philosophy whereas values are given
less importance in political theory.
3. The study method of political philosophy is deductive and philosophical. There is
importance of imagination, logic, contemplation, meditation whereas the study
method of political theory is empirical scientificity, which is based on observation,
measurement, test, survey, questionnaire, interview, public opinion, polling etc.