Distinguish between modern and traditional view of politics

Answer:

Difference between traditional and modern views of Political Science:

1. Differences of Definitions: Traditional thinkers consider Political Science as a study of state and government. As Garner has written, “Political Science begins and ends with the state”. In contrast to this, modern thinkers are of the view that Political Science is study of man’s political behaviour. As lass well and Kaplin have said, “Political Science is the study of shaping and sharing of power”.

2. Difference in Nature: Traditional thinkers of Political Science consider it as an ‘Art’ and give emphasis on ‘should be’. As Buckle believed, “In the present situation of knowledge Political Science far from being a science, it is the most lacking Art”. Since ages, Manu, Kautilya, Shukra, etc. Indian political thinkers had defined it as an art of governance. Ancient Greek thinkers like Plato also considered it as an art of government, whereas modern political thinkers consider Political Science as science and lay emphasis on relavant, data-based objective and mathematical study.

3. Differences in study methods: Traditional Political Science uses philosophical, historical and comparative methods for study. These methods are old and unrefined. On the other hand, study of modern Political Science uses statistical experiential – based and inter-disciplinary methods. Modern political thinkers analyse and predict man’s political behaviour and experienced truths related to it.

4. Differences regarding values: Traditional view of Political Science is free of values. It is affected by subjective and individual approach. Traditional thinkers believed in ethics and morality. Whereas, modem view of Political Science gives no emphasis on it. According to modern view, political thinkers keep themselves separated from morality, values, ethics and prejudices and carry on research using scientific methods.

5. Differences in Aim and Purpose: Purpose of traditional Political Science is achievement of good life. On the other hand, purpose of modern political science is not achievement of good life, but it is to explain the political happenings in their real perspective. Modern political thinkers are of the view that a political thinker cannot be a passive onlooker, but he has to try to solve the problems.

6. Differences in scope: Under traditional Political Science, present, past and future of a state is studied, along with organs, methods and responsibilities of governments. Whereas, modern political thinkers do not study institutions, rather they study methods. They like to study who makes the law, who decides to make laws and the real process of law – making, rather than studying the executive or parliament.

Answer:

Traditional approach in political science is a normative or an imaginative approach to politics. This approach basis its emphasis on “what ought to be” rather than “what is”. They are mainly based on historical and ideological underpinnings. They don't use scientific methods in their analogies but mere imaginations and intuitions. They are also referred to as idealists.

The modern political approach are scientific or behavioural approach to political issues. The use of facts and figures are very paramount here, as they base their analogies on “ what is” and not “what ought to be”. Scholars here are realists who see issues as they are through scientific observations before coming up with conclusions.

In conclusion, the traditional approach are utopian, idea driven and are based on historical facts while the modern approach deals with scientific methodologies and sees political issues how they really are without being biased.

Explanation:

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