Foundations of Political Science: Concepts and Methodology
Political Science, broadly and non-technically, is the study of phenomena and/or political structures. It involves a systematic approach conducted with scientific rigor, supported by a comprehensive review of facts developed on the basis of rational arguments.
Elements for Scientific Rigor in Political Science
For Political Science to be considered a science, it must possess these three elements:
- Orientation of Study: A clear focus for investigation.
- Application to Political Phenomena: The study should specifically apply to political phenomena, including relations of power.
- Methodological Consistency: Use a consistent, coherent, and understandable methodology.
Basic Components of Political Science
- Typologies: Classify and describe political phenomena and events, grouping them into categories.
- Generalizations: Establish comparisons between similar categories.
- Theories (Generalizations): Explain studied phenomena extensively, providing a general conceptual framework for understanding political events.
Sartori’s Perspective on Political Study
Applicability and Intervention
According to Sartori, the study of politics is not based on empirical or philosophical grounds, but on its applicability, a “will to intervene.”
Previously, Political Science did not integrate the theoretical with the empirical, but was primarily linked to natural law.
Stages of a Political Study
- Classification of Data
- Generalizations
- Elaboration of General Concepts
- Proposal of Theories
Key Thinkers and Their Contributions
- Hobbes: Treatise on Natural Law
- Aristotle: Comparison of Constitutions
- Machiavelli: Elaboration of the Conceptual System of Power
- Weber: State Power
- Marx: Nature of Conflict and Change
Objectives of Political Science
- Theoretical Explanation
- Practical Application to Foresee
Scope and Content of Political Science
- Paradigms: Classical, Critical, Modern
- Key Theories: Systems, Cultural, Development, Class & Conflict
- Goals: Ethics, Equality, Freedom
Methodologies in Political Science
- Systematic
- Psychoanalysis
- Evolutionism
- Historicism
- Political Modernization and Development
- Structuralism
- Religion and Politics
Defining Political Science
Political Science aims to explain phenomena and seek new knowledge.
Composition of Political Science
- Scientific Theories: To be verifiable, fallible, explanatory, repeatable, and general.
- Scientific Method:
- Theoretical Steps: Object Selection, Problem Formulation, Hypothesis.
- Practical Steps: Data Gathering, Data Analysis, Concluding Remarks.
Theory = Science + Experience
Steps of the Scientific Method
- Observation
- Generalization
- Hypothesis
- Attempt at Hypothesis Verification
- Proof or Refutation of Hypothesis
- Acquisition of New Knowledge
Popper’s Methodology
- A hypothesis is progressively refined into less universal assertions through deductions, ultimately leading to empirically testable and controllable statements.
- Assertions are submitted to rigorous testing, verifying or invalidating the hypothesis.
Method in Political Science
Characteristics:
- It is factual.
- It transcends mere occurrence.
- It is self-corrective and progressive.
- It establishes certain processes.
- The wording is general.
- It has a purpose.
Elements:
- System Concepts: These are abstractions or constructs.
Hypothesis
An attempted explanation by a plausible assumption intended to be proved or disproved.
Qualities a Hypothesis Must Meet:
- General, but also capable of specific determination within the political realm.
- Testability/Refutability.
- Must refer to a body of theory.
- Must be tractable and operational.
Classification of Hypotheses
- Nominal: Generalization
- General or Central; Specific, Alternative
- Post-facto; Ante-facto
- Empirical Uniformities; Complex Ideal Types, Relationships Between Variables
Real Definitions
- Descriptive: Explain the purpose.
- Generic: Define the purpose.
- Essential: Nature of the object.