Political Science as Science like Physics or Chemistry or Biology

Political Science as Science like Physics or Chemistry or Biology
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Introduction
Science can be defined as the systematic and organized body of knowledge that defines a particular subject. In this case, any systematically organized subject could basically be referred to as science. According to Okasha science basically entails the principles of understanding, explaining as well as predicting our world of existence. Okasha further notes that the current teaching of science in schools and Universities is done largely in a historical way. Political science focuses on the study of human beings at a collective level. It is important to note that the human brain is so complex and is considered a physical device, therefore, very poorly understood.
Prompt 1
Is Political Science Science?
Political science can be referred to as a science that deals with the political governance of man. It is the branch of social science that basically deals with the foundations of a State alongside the principles of governance (Janet Paul). It is important to note that the foundations of the government together with its principles have strong origins in the past and spreads their influence towards the future. In this case, it is considered the systematic study that scrutinizes the political problems of yesterday for the purposes of benefiting current situations for the reasons for improving the future. The interaction of the new forces in recent times has necessitated different mechanisms towards the study of Political Science. This has led to the suggestion that the subject of Political Science should not only be confined in terms of objects such as State and governance but encompasses a wide scope of approach. This reveals that the definition of the subject should encompass different activities that relate to the act of human and social control relations. There are some instances where it is regarded as the study of the problem of power as well as social control. In this case, the contemporary political scientists have tried to avoid the existing over rationalization account of institutions, therefore, adorning the past mechanisms as applicable in the governance of State with new concepts as derivative of sociological as well as anthropological theories.
According to Aristotle, Politics should be considered as the Master of Science. The same view was resonated by different scholars such as Bodin, Bryce, Hobbes as well as Sidgwick despite some earlier writers denying such a claim. The denial was based on the fact that there could never be such a thing as the scientific study of State and government. This was in agreement with Burke’s sentiments that there is no science of politics anymore as compared to the science of aesthetics. This is since there is a total difference between the models of politics and the lines of mathematics. Both cases demand a distinctive method of approach since each subject is broad, lengthy and deep that demands various levels of modifications.
However, whether political science is really science or not basically depends upon what is regarded as the test of science. In this case, political science is considered neither as exact science nor claims the capability of predicting the future with certainty. The various results as relates to physical sciences such as Physics and Chemistry prove definite under provided conditions for all at different capacities. Any form of variation can always be tested and thoroughly explained, however, it is impossible to place men in laboratories in real life within the political sphere. Moreover, political science deals with men and is considered a living subject matter which can be derived from the perspective of living human activity. Such scenarios can never be explained either using fixed or static formulas. The aspect of a man being dynamic, demands that all its institutions adjust with the human changing demands including the existing needs. The institutions keep on changing depending on the demands of different generations and this denies the subject of Political science its accuracy in defining various entities.
The various political phenomena could be explained from the perspective of justice or ethical standards. However, the different perspectives on what is just have not been easy to reconcile since the time of Aristotle and Plato. The riddles of social justice have not been easy to resolve due to differences in ideas. Consequently, it is considered not easy for Political Science to operate in the required degree of exactness as well as the universal application of its available laws just as in the case of physical and biological sciences.
Political science differs from physical and natural sciences in a number of ways. First, it is in the evidence being objective in natural and physical sciences and is usually expressed quantitatively. On the other hand, there is an assessment of the significant evidence through personal judgments. Secondly, the experiments used in physical and natural sciences can be done repeatedly while the problems in political science are considered unique. There is also the existence of numerous uncertainties in politics especially in the evidence and materials from prediction. This makes it easier the focus on informed as well as critical estimates. At the same time, the revised conclusions of political science do not rest upon unique and fresh evidence but in most cases upon reinterpretations. The whole scenario encompasses new ideas that make the old interpretations valid. The point of similarity lies in the fact that the methods of inquiry share common views with that of natural sciences. This entails the process through which the casual explanations and tests are provided as examples. However, the political science aspect does not have the capability of producing a blueprint for action that gives a similar degree of accuracy as the natural sciences.
Political science can claim to be science in the event that it represents a systematized body of knowledge that comprises facts that are accurately collected, arranged and classified. In this case, there should also be the use of scientific methods of observation alongside comparison and analysis with a high degree of accuracy in findings. However, political science is devoid of continuity of development since it is impossible to experiment with a man. Notably, political science differs materially on various fronts such as methodologies, principles as well as in conclusions. It is evident that some of the political theories have basically withstood the test of time better as compared to the contemporary doctrines of natural sciences. Science attempts to understand fully the instances that commonsense understand only impartially. This shows that science has a passion for facts, therefore, no room for personal bias which requires conducting an inquiry in the spirit of scientific detachment.
Since political science deals with human behaviors, it is important to understand that human beings are complex creatures and therefore, to understand why people do what they do or why they do the same thing differently, requires a great amount of research. Different theories have indeed been fashioned to try and explain the complex nature of people. One such theory is the be...