In today’s world, almost every single
thing happens in society could be influenced by Politics, even when you buy a
cup of coffee; the price you pay is also influenced, whether it is directly or
indirectly. But, when we talk about political science, there are many uncertainties
and skeptics about the classification of this field. Some argument stated that political
science could not be classified as a science, instead as an art of government[1].
However, most political scholars believe that political science is actually a
science, specifically branch of social science.
In
comprehending this issue, first we must understand the meaning
of science which is simply defined as knowledge[2].
However, this definition is inadequate to explain why Political Science should
be or not to be classified as a science.
Therefore in 1950, UNESCO made a project to formulate
the universal view on Political Science and had agreed to define science as a
sum-coordinated knowledge relative to a determinate subject[3]. In
addition, there
are some criteria that must be fulfilled; ontological, epistomological, and
axiological phenomena.[4].
Meanwhile politics
is derived from Greek word Polis, literally means city-state as
ancient Greek society was divided into a collection of independent city-state,
each of which possessed its own system of government.[5] In the 16th century until the early 20th
century "politics" is defined more narrowly than the definition that is
understood by Greekk .[6] Politics characterized by shrewdness in
managing, contriving, and dealing.[7]In
another hand, Prof Miriam Budiarjo defined politics as an effort to create a
better life. She also believed that politics is related to power, decision
making, and allocation or distribution in a state.[8] Leftwich stated that the aim of politics is to explain power thereby it is both
systematic and a science.[9]
However,
chancellor like Bismarck argued that Politics is an art rather than a science. Perhaps
He looked up at the classical definition of the politics and science and he preferred
to have in mind that it is an art of government, the exercise of control within
society through the making and enforcement of collective decisions.[10]Specifically
this argument does not have enough substantial evidence and is fragile.
Referring
to the definition and criteria above, we may have
some enlightenment upon the definition of Political Science, as it is fulfilling
the required criteria of science. Political science has three bases of the science’s
criteria. Ontologically, political science has phenomenon that wanted to be
known, which is human political life. Epistemologically, political science has working
procedures to seek knowledge by using a device
called a methodology. Meanwhile, antologically, political
science also seeks the benefits of the knowledge gained. Besides,
practically, political
scholars must have a proper concept, free of bias, then supported by empirical
evidence in their writings.[11]
In conclusion, political science is generally a way of studying as a whole
from the special point of view of the human
political life and definitely included as a science rather than an art of
government.[12]
In addition, political science has scientific
methodology even though cannot be in the equal status as the exact sciences.[13] This also prevents political science to
have such causal theory.
[1]Andrew Heywood (2007), Politics, 3rd ed, palgrave Macmillan,
New York, p. 5
[2]
F.Isjwara (1999), Pengantar Ilmu Politik, Putra A badrin, Bandung, p. 20
[3] UNESCO (1950), Contemporary Political Science, Paris viewed 13 Sept 2013, unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0007/000725/072539eo.pdf
[4]Yanuardi, Politik Sebagai
Science , viewed 11 Sept 2013 http://staff.uny.ac.id/sites/default/files/pendidikan/Yanuardi,%20S.IP.,%20M.Si./politik%20%20sebagai%20science.pdf
[5]Andrew Heywood, op.cit, p. 5
[6]
Rodee,Carlton
Clymer,et all (1988), Pengantar Ilmu
Politik, Rajawali Pers, Jakarta.
[7]Merriam-Webster
11th Collegiate Dictionary, viewed 15 Sept 2013 Merriam-Webster reference online
dictionary
[8]Budiarjo, Prof. Miriam, Dasar-Dasar Ilmu Politik, revised.
ed,Gramedia, Jakarta, p. 14
[9] Adrian
Leftwich (2004), What is Politics, 2nd ed, John wiley, York
[10]UNC
(2010), Political Science, viewed 11th Sept 2013 http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/political-science/
[11]UNC, College of Arts & Sciences, Political Science, viewed 11 Sept 2013, writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/political-science/
[12]UNESCO, op.cit, p. 50
[13]
Arvind Kumar, wheather political science
is a science or not, viewed 11th Sept 2013
http://www.preservearticles.com/2011100414559/essay-on-whether-political-science-is-a-science-or-an-art.html
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar