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The document outlines various approaches to political science, categorizing them into traditional and modern approaches. It details the historical, institutional, and comparative approaches, highlighting their key characteristics, applications, and criticisms. Additionally, it describes the nature of political science as empirical, theoretical, analytical, normative, interdisciplinary, dynamic, and comparative.

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Mushtaq Meerani
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22 views

Document (1) (8)

The document outlines various approaches to political science, categorizing them into traditional and modern approaches. It details the historical, institutional, and comparative approaches, highlighting their key characteristics, applications, and criticisms. Additionally, it describes the nature of political science as empirical, theoretical, analytical, normative, interdisciplinary, dynamic, and comparative.

Uploaded by

Mushtaq Meerani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Approaches to political science:

In political science, approaches means the perspective adopted by political scientists


while studying political processes. Approaches to political science are divided into two
categories. One is traditional approach and the other is modern approach.

The traditional approaches to political science:

1.The historical approach to political science:

It is a perspective that emphasizes the importance of understanding political phenomena


through the lens of historical context. It argues that political ideas, institutions, and events
cannot be fully understood without considering their historical origins and development
over time.

Key characteristics of the historical approach:

■ Focus on historical context: This approach highlights the significance of historical


factors, such as time, place, and specific circumstances, in shaping political outcomes.

■ Emphasis on evolution: It recognizes that political ideas and institutions evolve over
time, influenced by various factors like social, economic, and cultural changes.

■ Study of political thought: It involves examining the ideas of past political thinkers and
how their ideas have influenced political thoughts. It involves examining the ideas of past
political thinkers and how their ideas have influenced the political developments.

■ Use of historical evidence: Historical documents, records, and narratives are crucial
sources of information for understanding political phenomena.

Examples of scholars who have used the historical approach:

•George H. Sabine

•Leo Strauss

•Quentin Skinner.

Criticisms of the historical approach:

■ Subjectivity: Critics argue that historical interpretations can be subjective and


influenced by the historian's own biases and perspectives.

■ Overemphasis on the past: Some argue that focusing too heavily on the past can hinder
understanding of contemporary political issues.
Despite these criticisms, the historical approach remains a valuable tool for understanding
the complexities of political phenomena. By examining the past, we can gain insights into
the present and future of politics.

2. The Institutional approach to Political Science:

It emphasizes the study of political institutions and their impact on political behavior and
outcomes. It views institutions as the rules, norms, and organizations that shape political
life, providing a framework for understanding how power is exercised, decisions are made,
and conflicts are resolved.

Key characteristics of the institutional approach:

■ Focus on institutions: It centers on the study of formal and informal institutions, such as
governments, political parties, courts, and social norms.

■ Emphasis on structure: Institutions are seen as providing a framework or structure that


shapes individual behavior and choices.

■ Influence on outcomes: Institutions are believed to have a significant impact on


political outcomes, such as policy decisions, regime stability, and economic development.

Applications of the institutional approach:

■ Understanding political behavior: It helps explain why individuals behave in certain


ways within political systems.

■ Analyzing policy outcomes: It can be used to understand why different countries adopt
different policies.

■ Explaining regime change: It can shed light on the factors that contribute to the rise and
fall of different political regimes.

■ Designing institutional reforms: It can inform efforts to improve the functioning of


political institutions.

The institutional approach has been a major force in political science, providing valuable
insights into the workings of political systems and the impact of institutions on political life.
It continues to be an important area of research, with scholars exploring new dimensions
of institutional analysis and applying it to a wide range of political phenomena.
3. The comparative approach to political science:

It involves systematically examining and contrasting different political systems to


understand similarities, differences, and underlying patterns. By comparing countries,
regions, or even different periods within a single country, political scientists can gain
valuable insights into how political institutions, processes, and behaviors function.

Key characteristics of the comparative approach:

■ Focus on similarities and differences: This approach emphasizes identifying both


commonalities and unique features across different political systems.

■ Systematic analysis: Comparative research often involves rigorous methodologies,


such as case studies, statistical analysis, and formal modeling, to ensure objectivity and
reliability.

■ Development of theories and generalizations: By comparing diverse cases,


researchers can develop broader theories and generalizations about political phenomena.

■ Explanation of political outcomes: The comparative approach aims to explain why


certain political outcomes occur in some countries but not others.

Benefits of the comparative approach:

■ Broader understanding: By examining multiple cases, researchers can develop a more


comprehensive understanding of political phenomena.

■ Improved theory building: Comparative research can help to test and refine existing
theories and develop new ones.

■ Policy relevance: Insights from comparative research can inform policy decisions and
contribute to the development of more effective governance strategies.
Nature of Political Science:

1. Empirical: Political science relies on empirical evidence, observations, and data to


understand political phenomena.

2. Theoretical: It develops and tests theories to explain political behavior, institutions, and
processes.

3. Analytical: Political science involves analyzing complex political issues, identifying


patterns, and understanding relationships between variables.

4. Normative: It often involves evaluating political values, principles, and ideologies,


considering what is morally right or wrong.

5. Interdisciplinary: Political science draws from other disciplines, such as history,


sociology, economics, philosophy, and psychology.

6. Dynamic: Political science is concerned with understanding changing political


landscapes, institutions, and behaviors over time.

7. Comparative: It often involves comparing different political systems, institutions, and


processes to identify similarities and differences.

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