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The origins of political science: How did the 19th century scientific revolution change our understanding of politics?
Political science, as a social science, focuses on systems of governance and the distribution of power. The history of the discipline is deeply influenced by the scientific revolution of the 19th century, which combined political theory with empirical research and dramatically changed our understanding of politics.
The formation and development of political science
Political science began as an independent discipline in the second half of the 19th century, when it gradually separated from political philosophy and history.
The main characteristics of this period are the exploration of "modernity" and the focus on the contemporary nation-state, which formed the basic concepts and vocabulary of political science.Until the late 19th century, political science was not viewed as a separate field from history.
Landmark academic organizations and journals
In 1903, the American Political Science Association was founded, marking the gradual improvement of the academic system of political science.
In its inaugural issue, Munroe Smith defined political science as "the science of the state", a definition that is still valued today.The Political Science Quarterly was founded in 1886 and has become one of the important academic journals in this discipline.
The rise of behaviorism and neo-institutionalism
In the 1950s and 1960s, the behavioral revolution swept through the field of political science, emphasizing the systematic and scientific study of individual and group behavior. Many researchers focus on the analysis of political behavior rather than the interpretation of institutions or legal texts.
Over time, this trend of thought has promoted further exploration of theories and models, making political science more quantitative and systematic.For example, William H. Riker and his colleagues during this period proposed methods that drew on economic theory to study political institutions and behavior.
Challenges of the 21st Century
Entering the 21st century, political science faces new challenges. A movement called the Perestroika movement has called for a reassessment of the discipline's diverse methodologies. At this time, some scholars proposed some evolutionary psychology theories, arguing that human political behavior evolved based on the political needs of small groups in the ancestral environment, and is not necessarily adapted to the current more complex political structure.
Scope and research objects of political science
Political science covers everything from the distribution of power to the decision-making process, and involves the role and operation of governments and international organizations. Political scientists analyze the success or failure of public policies, taking into account factors such as stability, justice, material wealth, peace, and public health.
Some political scientists focus on finding positive arguments that describe social reality, while others conduct normative research and make specific policy recommendations.
Country Research and Crisis Forecasting
The study of political science is also often limited to the political systems of a particular country, such as the United States or China. In these countries, scholars study data such as elections, public opinion, and public policies, and on this basis form analytical models tailored to the country's unique conditions. In addition, the theory of political transition and crisis prediction methods occupy an important position in contemporary political science. By analyzing a variety of indicators, scholars are able to predict potential political crises.
Diverse research methods
The research methods in political science are extremely diverse, with many methods deriving from psychology, social studies, and political philosophy, combined with techniques developed within political science itself. Although observations of political phenomena are often difficult to replicate, many political scientists still build theoretical systems through various empirical research methods. As Lawrence Lowell, former president of the American Political Science Association, said: "We are limited by the impracticality of experimentation. Politics is an observational, not an experimental, science."
Political Science in Education
In higher education, political science is often classified as a discipline between the humanities and social sciences, and many liberal arts universities have dedicated political science colleges or departments.
Such a research system not only promotes academic exchanges, but also has a positive impact on political practice.Especially in American universities, undergraduate and graduate courses in political science are widely offered, attracting a large number of students.
Political science faces constant challenges and evolution as times change. Can its tension between empiricism and theory lead to a deeper political understanding?
