Ethics

Meaning and Scope of Political Science

MODULE - 1
Individual and the State

1
MEANING AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Y course in Political Science begins with this lesson. This lesson tries to explore the our
Notes

meaning of Political Science. Political Science, traditionally, begins and ends with the state. So considered, it is the study of the state and government. The modern view of Political Science lays emphasis on its being the study of power and authority. Political Science also explains its ever-widening scope. Its scope includes study of the state and the study of political system; covering the study of government, study of power; study of man and his political behaviour and study of political issues which influence politics directly or indirectly. In this lesson, you will study some of the core concepts like Justice and its relevance to citizens.

Objectives
After studying this lesson you will be able to explain the meaning of Political Science in the light of some standard definitions; distinguish between Political Science and Politics; describe the scope of Political Science in terms of role of the State, functions of government and its relationship with citizens; recognize the relevance of Justice for citizens and State.

1.1 Meaning of Political Science
Political Science is that part of social science which deals with the foundations of the state and the principles of the government. According to J W Garner, “Politics begins and ends with the state.” Similarly, R G Gettel wrote that Politics is the “study of the state in the past, present and future”. Harold J Laski stated in the same vein that the study of Politics concerns itself with the life of men and women in relation to organized state. Thus as a social science, Political Science deals with those aspects of individuals in society which relate to their activities and organizations devoted to seeking of power, resolution of conflicts and all these, within an overall framework... [continues]

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