...CHAPTER 1 – POLITICS AND KNOWLEDGE INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE Review Sekar Rizki Wibowo – KKI_B What is politics? Politics is a process by which a group of people, whose opinions or interests might be different from each other, reach collective decisions that are generally regarded as binding on the group and enforced as a common policy. The basis of political knowledge always came from three important sources, which are: 1. Authority : Involves the appeal of any documents, tradition, or person that is believed to be an important source of politics or some explanation regarding a particular issue. 2. Personal thought : Relies on assumption of human brains that may develop a thought that determines the definition or anything he/she knows about the political world. 3. Science : Uses expliicit methods that attempt to enable the different people to agree about what they know. The goal of using science in order to learn about politics is that it answers the facts what, why, and how questions about politics. Political science is composed from some subfields that are usually defined by their specific subject matter, rather than by their mode of analysis. The four subfields of political knowledge are: 1. Comparative politics : Focuses on similarities and difference in political processes and structures. 2. International relations : Focuses on the political relations between countries, the behavior of transnational actors, and the dynamics happenting...
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...WHAT IS POLITICS? Why do we have to be interested in politics? If you’re not, others will influence the decisions that govern your lives. For example, who decides to declare war, to fix taxes….Ignorant is manipulated. Aristotle, the founder of the discipline, called politics the “master science”: he meant that almost everything happens in a political context. For example, politics is connected to economics: suppose a hurricane or earthquake strikes a country, in this case it is the political system that decides for example which victims to aid. The disaster is natural, but its impact on society is controlled by politics. Politics may be immoral: we have a misuse of power, corruption…. But even if we don’t like these features, we have to understand how things go on: how A gets B to do what A wants. This is what Political Science tries to explain. Political Science is related to the other social sciences: - History: it’s an important source of data for political scientists (if we analyze the Cold War (1947-1989), we have to know the events so history). But the data are handled differently: political scientists look for generalizations, historians for details. - Geography: physical and human (ethnic areas, regions …….) - Economics: many political quarrels are economic. A good economic development may be the basis for democracy, only few poor countries are democratic. - Sociology: Political Science starts by looking at society to see “who thinks what”about politics. For example...
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...What Makes Art: The Subconscious, The Reactionary, or The Forster Order? It is mid-afternoon on a Saturday at the Highline: a trajectory of abandoned railroad tracks the city of New York converted into a public park. The banks of the park are full of plants and sculptures, and street art is scattered within and around all of the Highline. Tucked into a gravel bed, beneath the shade of a green sapling, sits an upright rectangle. About five feet tall and two feet wide, the face of the rectangle is a dull mauve color, and at the center of the rectangle rests a bean-shaped oblong, jutting out like a flaccid balloon. It’s a fetus, one may think, or a bladder...but what is the point of the piece? The exact purpose of the art piece, the meaning or explanation is not written there plainly. To understand a piece of art like this, one must engage in their own interpretation. Some people appreciate art because they consider it beautiful; some consider it pointless; some consider art necessary to society, and many refrain from further evaluation of art. In his essay “Art for Art’s Sake,” E.M. Forster explores precisely what this essay title proclaims. Forster acknowledges his argument is an “unpopular” one, but strives to ratify some misconceptions about art for art’s sake. In my initial reading of the essay I am not exempt from resisting the idea of art for art’s sake. Immediately, the notion seems to say that art can have no effect on society, and be appreciated nonetheless. I would...
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...Philosophy of Science (All Science, not just social science) During the time of the ancient Greeks—that is, Socrates and Plato, but before them and after them as well, the study of “philosophy” (Greek for “love of wisdom”) began. At that time, philosophy included both the natural and physical sciences as well what we know as philosophy today. The development of philosophy created a tension between philosophy, science, and religion. Remember that Socrates was put to death for allegedly questioning the existence of the official state-worshiped gods. This tension between philosophy, science and religion continued through the 1400’s and 1500’s when the European “Enlightenment” emphasized the concept that both “rational thought” and “science” was separate from religion. Today, they are still generally in tension. Whether these methods of gaining knowledge are consistent or not is constantly debated among scientists, theologians, and philosophers. Science=observation of the physical universe which includes (beginning in the late 1800’s) the study of human behavior using our five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell); Religion=the study of the “divine” (i.e., god, however a person conceives of that notion, and it’s implications) Philosophy=the study of questions unanswerable by science through the use of “reason” (rational thought) alone. Thus, there are 4 different philosophical views on how humans can obtain knowledge: 1. mysticism/divine revelation—a...
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...Political science is governed by five myths: that it studies politics; that it is scientific; that it is possible to study politics separated off from economics, sociology, and history; that the state in our democratic capitalist society is politically neutral, that is available as a set of institutions and mechanisms to whatever group wins the election; and that political science, as a discipline, advances the cause of democracy.1 Politics, in the broadest sense, is the activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which they live. Politics is the process of who gets what, when, and how. Lastly, politics is a process of allocating scarce values.2 Various theorists and concepts define what the role of politics is in order to help us get a better understanding of how the study of politics is useful. Politics help us to understand the relationship between the government and the state’s minority citizens. Plato, the student of Socrates, defined politics in his own way. The ideal government proposed by Plato was the adherence of each individual to “universally valid principles” aimed at improving the lives of all the citizens instead of increasing power, prestige, or material wealth of a select few. Plato believed that this ideal government would be ran by individuals ho were full of wisdom and virtue instead of charisma and cunning. This is because in Athenian democracy, leaders were irrationally chosen based on irrelevant details such as family...
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...of philosophy. It is a social science that has lost influence in the 21st Century because many do not understand how this science can help humans achieve true happiness. Though philosophy is a heavy subject, it is the science with the most results regarding human nature and knowledge. Philosophy offers guidance to understand human behavior as well as to question our presence and our real role in society. It is one of the leading social sciences because many world leaders have tried to grasp it and understand the meaning of it thus showing how important it is to study philosophy. Nevertheless, not only should world leaders study philosophy but also everyone should be aware of the different philosophical teachings in order to differentiate well from wrongdoing. It is no surprise that philosophers understood ethics and politics before others, therefore showing the depth and practicality of philosophy as well as defining academia. Philosophy should not only be considered a social science but also a lifestyle; to better explain, philosophy is applicable in the daily routine as well as in the professional world making it both a theoretical and pragmatic. As a lifestyle, philosophers focused on how philosophy could be applicable to the daily life to improve one’s being. One of the main philosophies, still applicable today, and serves as guide for those looking for a healthier life is Confucianism. This philosophical ideology analyzes ethics, politics and influence, and through his...
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... | | |Politics and political science | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |Political science is the study of politics in all its aspects. Occasionally politics is used as a synonym for political science: sometimes| | | | | |as the title of university departments of political science. This may be confusing. Although a few political scientists have become | | | | | |politicians, and even more rarely politicians have become political scientists, the activities of the two, despite impinging on each | | | | | |other, are quite different. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |1.1 What is politics? | | | | | ...
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...man is "a political animal". He and his equally famous disciple Plato strongly denounced politics. Plato went so far as to say: "O, men of Athens, if I was engaged in politics, I would have perished long ago and done no good either to you or to myself." Since then, however, politics has pervaded every sphere of life, and the number of politicians has grown beyond measure. There is politics everywhere, in government generally, in the administration, in schools, colleges, universities, art, literature, and even in sports and games. In fact, there is hardly any sphere of life and activity, male of female, which is free from politics and the insidious influences of the fast-growing tribe of politicians of various hues and types sincere ones (their number is indeed small), insincere ones and downright hypocrites (their tribe is fast growing), and others who fall mid-way and share the traits of both the good and the bad. Of course, it would be unfair to paint them all with the same brush. The lament of Aristotle and Plato has become pointless in modern society, despite the advance of civilisation and the remarkable progress of education and general enlightenment. Politics and politicians have not only grown amazingly, but have also prospered without let or hindrance. This may indeed be described as the age of politics; politicians are supreme everywhere. The gates of politics are wide open; anyone (preferably people with some means and a mastery of rhetoric but there...
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...Writing Assignments i n World Politics Courses Thomas 0. Schlesinger Walking out of Rounds Hall with me after class, Benny, a sophomore in one of my international relations courses, asked for, and received, some pointers on the required paper. “You’ve just told me to write exactly as I’ve been taught not to write,” said he. “And who, pray tell, taught you?” asked I. He gave an over-the-shouldernod across the street, toward Ellen Reed House--the English Department. "Hmmm. . . fine--I'mnot surprised to hear they tell you something different,” I told him. “The English profs teach you to write in a generic way, say, fiction, or generically expository stuff. I want you to write a social science paper.” With some ”Hmmm-ing” of his own, Benny shuffled off, wearing a mildly annoyed and not altogether convinced frown. How dare they teach different ways to write in different departments at the same college! Benny did make an effort to heed my suggestions, but it took persistence. For example, the introduction to his first draft, included a vague Writing Across the Curriculum, Vol. 11, August 1990 35 36 Writing Across The Curriculum (August 1990) statement like: ”Conflict between Arabs and Black Africans in the Sudan is a serious problem and should be examined in greater detail. . . including its history, causes, and future.” The purpose statement I eventually settled for read more like this: ”This paper will examine social, economic, and political aspects...
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...civilizations had tried to dwell in before. Because of their discoveries, this therefore influenced the rest of the world, but did not change it. One of their major influences was politics and religion. With politics, the Greeks discovered through trial and error that Democracy worked for them, and that tyranny and anarchy did not. They also tested oligarchy and monarchies, which appeared to work, and are found throughout history and in the modern day world. Religion was another aspect that influenced the western world. The Greeks were polytheistic by nature,...
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...correlates with sociology, individual’s lifestyle, but above all, politics. (Maslin, Mark (2004) Global Warming: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: OUP.) According to Pigliuci [Pigliucci, M. (2010), 141] Since science is constantly changing with their predictions, how do we know that it will not change again? He goes on to say that this is what we call dishonest play on widespread public misunderstanding in the process of science, in which revision in previous results is not only normal, but also mistrust of scientific expertise overall. With that being said, how can we determine what is the proper scientific position on Global Warming/Climate Change? How can non-scientist evaluate the evidence and choose which experts to believe, also how to detect and evaluate the effect of political/economic pressures on scientific conclusions. Do Not Throw Away Your Kids, Protect the Planet and Recycle Them The skepticism of global warming has been a constant ongoing war for quite some time based on its uncertainty. Human activities is what causes the change in the Earth’s climate is just merely a scientific opinion. Basically the scientist leverage on global warming is this: “Without substantial disagreement, scientists find human activities are heating the Earth’s surface.” [Oreskes, Naomi, (2004, 2005) 'The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change', Science 306: 1686]. according to Prothero, Donald R. (2014) 'The Mind of the Science Denier' - “Humans are not ‘rational machines’ Instead, we...
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...States History, I had developed an interest in politics, but I was hesitant. The workload in We the People was notoriously heavy. I needed a second opinion, so during a Speech and Debate practice I asked my friend Jayaram about the class. “It’s life changing!” he told me. His eyes lit up as he talked about the class. After a few more days, I finally made the decision - I was going to sign up for We the People. Now towards the end of my senior year, the We the People program has ignited the love for politics sparked by my history class. By preparing to compete with the class at Districts, State, and now Nationals, I have developed an obsession with politics. From reading an 800 page book about Lincoln, to closely following the 2016 presidential election, I cannot see myself doing anything else. Through this once in a lifetime experience, I have transformed my passion for politics into a path for my future. Tahoma’s education helped me better myself. Two years ago, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. Now, I am registered to major in Political Science...
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...What is Sociology of Education? Posted on December 27, 2010 by Sitwe This essay will firstly define education and sociology then it will define what sociology of education is and come up with a suitable definition on sociology of education from various definitions. This suitable definition will be discussed further because it speaks much of what goes on in education system. Peter Snelson (1974) defines education as a condition of human Survival. It is the means where by one generation Transmits the wisdom, knowledge and experience Which prepares the next generation for life duties And pleasure. This definition on education helps us to act with more insight and more intelligence in molding the youth in an acceptable manner. We can give a sound academic mission to the youth by teaching them survival skills such as carpentry, pottery, basketry and other survival skills which can better their lives. Human beings not only acquire new skills but also form the society. To this effect parents and teachers should work hand in hand in order to help the youths themselves have knowledge and in coming up with relevant ways it’s a matter of assisting them. By teaching the young ones, knowledge is transmitted from one generation to the next. This simply enlightens us that education is a continuous process. The statement “sky is the limit” helps us to have a wide knowledge about all aspects of education. Education prepares individuals to do things it is their responsibility to do them. For instance...
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...Emmitt Y Riley, III Proposed Field of Study Political Science (U.S. Political Institutions and Processes/ Public Policy) Having extensively researched the Political Science curriculum, the faculty members and their areas of academic research, along with the structure of the program, it is my belief that the Political Science PhD Program at the University of Oklahoma would best fit my research interests and long term career aspirations. I am especially interested in the programs' emphasis on American Politics and Public Policy. The emphases on American Politics, political behavior and political methodology are very intriguing. The opportunity to study in your department members would provide me with the opportunity to gain further insight in a subfield of the discipline in which I am very passionate. In addition, the opportunity to study with these individuals would certainly set me on tract to a successful career in publishing in this particular subfield. Thus my purpose and objective obtaining a PhD is to enter a rigorous academic program that will prepare me for a successful career in teaching and conducting independent research that will contribute to the discipline. Growing up in Mississippi Delta has certainly influenced my reasons for furthering my graduate education in political science. As an improvised African American male, originally labeled incapable of learning, my educational experiences have had a profound influence 'on my ability to achieve...
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...of its nature. Some, however, have used a colorless definition like " Sociology is the science of society," or " the scientific study of society," or " the science of social phenomena." Others, using more words, add but little, as for example, " Sociology is the name applied to a somewhat inchoate mass of materials which embodies our knowledge about society." Other definitions somewhat more definite, yet unsatisfactory in many ways, are, " the science of social process " and " the science of social relation." Better than these are, " Sociology is the study of men considered as affecting and as affected by association," or, " the study of human association, including whatever conduces to it or modifies it." Of the formal definitions that have been given by scientific men, none is more comprehensive than that of Professor Giddings, which follows : " Sociology is an attempt to account for the origin, growth, structure, and activities of society by the operation of physical, vital, and psychical causes working together in a process of evolution." While it is difficult to give a brief comprehensive definition of sociology that will prove entirely satisfactory through all of the changes of a developing science, Professor Giddings's definition is of great service to one who wishes a clear understanding and a precise view of the nature and purposes of the science. An adequate knowledge of the true nature and...
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