Is Political Science Truly a Science?

For centuries, the discipline of political science has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it is purely an art and others contending that it is a science. This article delves into the question of whether political science qualifies as a true science, examining its nature, methodologies, and contributions to our understanding of governance and social order.

Defining Science

First, it's essential to establish a clear definition of what constitutes a science. According to Webster's dictionary, science is defined as ‘the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.’

The Role of Science in Political Governance

John Adams, the second President of the United States, emphasized the importance of political science in his advocacy for laws and governance. He stated, “It is my duty to study more than all other sciences the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation.” This statement underscores the integral role that systematic study plays in political affairs, aligning with the definition of science.

The Nature of Political Science

Political science, often classified under the umbrella of social sciences, focuses on the analysis and understanding of political systems, behavior, and institutions. Unlike natural sciences such as physics or biology, which deal with concrete, measurable phenomena, political science often grapples with abstract concepts and variable human behaviors.

Is Political Science a Hard or Soft Science?

Many argue that political science is a soft science, due to its reliance on qualitative data, historical records, and subjective human behaviors. However, it is important to recognize that soft sciences such as psychology and neuroscience, which study human cognition and behavior, have advanced significantly with the advent of new methodologies and technologies. Similarly, political science has its own rigorous methodologies, including quantitative analysis, experiments, and case studies.

Rhetoric and Persuasion: Human Sciences

Another crucial aspect of political science is rhetoric, the art of persuasion. Rhetoric is a human science, focusing on the manipulation and understanding of human thought and emotion. While harder to quantify than physical phenomena, it plays a vital role in the political process, influencing public opinion and decision-making.

Historical Data and Experimentation

A key argument against treating political science as a science is the lack of tangible, repeatable experiments. Unlike physics, which can conduct repeatable experiments to validate theories, political science often relies on historical data and case studies. However, this does not necessarily diminish its scientific status. In fact, much of physics relies on historical data and experimentation, such as observations which led to the realization that the Earth revolves around the Sun.

The Evolution of Political Science

Political science is a relatively young field, emerging as people began to demand governance that reflected their values. It has grown from humble beginnings, with scholars from ancient civilizations like Rome attempting to understand and define good governance, to the complex systems we study today. Despite its youth, political science has made significant contributions to our understanding of democracy, power, and human behavior.

Conclusion

Based on the systematic study of structures and behaviors within the realm of governance and society, political science can indeed be classified as a science, albeit a soft one. It shares methodologies and goals with other social sciences, and its contributions to our understanding of the world cannot be ignored. Whether labeled as a hard or soft science, political science remains a critical component in our quest to understand and improve the world we live in.