Traditional Approaches to the study of Political science PDF

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Traditional Approaches to the Study of Political Science is no single opinion among the scholars, political thinkers divided the development of Political Science into different periods on the basis of the nature of their approaches to political phenomena. Generally the liberal approach to political analysis could be divided into traditional (Historical, Philosophical,Institutional and Legal) and modern (Behavioural and Post -behavioural) approaches. Marxian approach to political analysis is entirely different from liberal approach and comphrehensive in nature.

Historical Approach Historical approach denotes the process of arriving at the laws governing politics through an analysis of historical events, as exemplified by the theories propounded by Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel and Karl Marx. It also stands for an attempt at understanding political process through a historical account of political thought of yester years. The best example for historical approach in political science is George H. Sabine’s ‘A History of Political Theory’. critics of historical approach point out that it is not possible to understand ideas of the past ages in terms of the contemporary ideas and concepts. This criticism to historical approach encouraged the development of the Behavioural Approach.

Philosophical Approach In the classical or normative period the study of politics reflected a normative concern and deductive method of explanation.

It argued from a general premise to more specific conclusions. It speculated on the proper form of government and on the nature of political obligation. Philosophical approach is generally identified with value preferences. The classical political philosophers were concerned with the justification of values and reconciliation of liberty and obligation. Plato, for example dealt with the question of ‘justice’ in the Republic through the ideal state. The ethical basis and the moral purpose of the political community was analysed in detail by political philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, Bentham and Hegel. Thus the philosophical period is noted for its general trend of setting standards based on values like justice, freedom and happiness. Philosophical approach aims at evolving “standards of right and wrong” for the purpose of critical evaluations of the existing institutions, laws and policies. most of the classical political theory represents philosophical approach. Its themes are generally concerned with moral reasoning which cannot be subjected to scientific test. Institutional Approach

The ‘institutional approach’ was the answer and it shows a shift in the scope, methods and objectives of Political Science. In this approach emphasis is on formal governmental institutions. The characteristic feature of the institutional approach is detailed description of the nature and structure of the formal institutions like State and government. In short, an institution is a set of offices and agencies arranged in a hierarchy, whose each office or agency has certain functions and powers. Accordingly the institutional approach proceed to study the organizations and functioning of government, its various organs, political parties and other institutions affecting politics. Classification of governments (Monarchy, tyranny, aristocracy, oligarchy, polity and democracy, dictatorship, parliamentary and presidential, unitary and federal etc;) identification of levels of government (federal, state, local) as well as branches of government (executive, legislative, judicial) etc. are the chief concerns of this approach. Institutional approach relies heavily on description rather than explanation. Thus in institutional approach, political institutions were treated as vital factors governing and influencing human behaviour rather than vice versa. Political Science became a branch of Social Science dealing with theory, organization, government and practice of the state. The institutional approach give emphasis on law, constitution and constitutional documents.

The best definition of Political Science from this point of view was given by Paul Janet, a French Scholar. According to him Political Science is “that part of Social Science which treats the foundations of the state and principles of government”.

4 .Legal Approach Legal approach stands for an attempt to understand politics in terms of law. It focuses its attention on the legal and constitutional framework in which different organs of government have to function and their powers and procedure which makes their actions legally valid. For instance, legal approach to Indian politics will proceed to analysis legal implications of various provisions of the Indian constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court of India, procedure of formation and legal position of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies, procedure of elections, powers and position of the President, Prime Minister, Governors etc....