Does political science fall under humanities? This question has sparked debates among scholars and academicians for years. While some argue that political science is a social science, others believe it is an integral part of the humanities. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this debate and shed light on the various perspectives that exist regarding the classification of political science.
The classification of political science as either a humanities or a social science has significant implications for the field’s approach to research, methodology, and overall academic discourse. Proponents of political science as a humanities discipline emphasize the importance of historical context, cultural analysis, and philosophical inquiry in understanding political phenomena. They argue that political science should be concerned with the values, norms, and ideas that shape political behavior and institutions.
On the other hand, those who classify political science as a social science focus on empirical research, statistical analysis, and the application of systematic methodologies to study political processes. They contend that political science should be concerned with the objective analysis of political behavior, institutions, and policies, using quantitative and qualitative data to draw conclusions.
One of the primary arguments for political science being a humanities discipline is the emphasis on understanding the human experience within the political realm. Political scientists who align with the humanities approach argue that politics is a reflection of human nature, culture, and history. By studying political science from a humanities perspective, one can gain insights into the moral, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of political life.
Moreover, the humanities approach to political science encourages interdisciplinary research, fostering connections between political science and other fields such as philosophy, history, and sociology. This interdisciplinary approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of political phenomena, as it incorporates various perspectives and methodologies.
In contrast, those who argue for political science as a social science emphasize the importance of empirical evidence and objective analysis. They believe that political science should be based on rigorous research, utilizing statistical methods and other quantitative tools to measure and predict political behavior. By adopting a social science approach, political scientists can contribute to the development of theories and models that can be tested and refined over time.
Another factor that contributes to the debate is the role of political theory in political science. While some scholars argue that political theory is an essential component of political science, others believe that it should be separated from the discipline. Those who advocate for the integration of political theory with political science argue that it provides a foundation for understanding the philosophical underpinnings of political behavior and institutions. However, those who favor a separation argue that political theory should be a distinct field of study, with political science focusing on empirical research and application.
In conclusion, the question of whether political science falls under humanities or social science remains a subject of debate. Both approaches have their merits and limitations, and the classification of political science can have significant implications for the field’s research, methodology, and overall academic discourse. While the humanities approach emphasizes the importance of historical context, cultural analysis, and philosophical inquiry, the social science approach focuses on empirical research and objective analysis. Ultimately, the classification of political science depends on the specific goals and methodologies employed by individual scholars and institutions.
