In this article, we are going to discuss who is the Father of Political Science, you will get all the information about his life, contribution, achievements and more.
Aristotle, one of the most influential philosophers in history, is often referred to as the “Father of Political Science.” His extensive works on politics and governance laid the foundation for the study of political science as a distinct academic discipline. Born in 384 BCE in Stagira, Greece, Aristotle’s contributions to political thought continue to shape our understanding of government, ethics, and the complexities of human society. This article delves into Aristotle’s life, his political philosophy, and the enduring impact of his ideas on the field of political science.
Who is the Father of Political Science
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | 384 BCE in Stagira, Greece |
| Education | Studied under Plato at the Academy in Athens |
| Philosophical Evolution | Developed his own distinct ideas after Plato’s death |
| Establishment of Lyceum | Founded his school, the Lyceum, for research and teaching |
| Key Works | “Politics,” “Nicomachean Ethics,” “Constitution of Athens” |
| Influence | One of the most influential philosophers in history |
| Contributions | Pioneered the systematic study of politics and governance |
| Legacy | Laid the foundation for political science as an academic discipline |
| Death | Passed away in 322 BCE in Euboea, Greece |
Father of Political Science: A Life and Legacy
Aristotle’s life was marked by intellectual curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He was born in the city of Stagira, which was part of the Macedonian Kingdom. His father, Nicomachus, was the personal physician to King Amyntas III of Macedon, which exposed Aristotle to the royal court and provided him with early insights into the intricacies of politics. At the age of seventeen, he journeyed to Athens to study under the great philosopher Plato at his Academy.
Aristotle’s time at the Academy had a profound influence on his philosophical development. However, it wasn’t long before he began to develop his own distinct ideas, sometimes challenging Plato’s theories. After spending two decades under Plato’s tutelage, he left Athens following Plato’s death, eventually establishing his own school of thought known as the Lyceum. This institution became a centre for learning and research and would play a pivotal role in Aristotle’s political and philosophical work.
Aristotle’s writings cover a vast array of subjects, including ethics, metaphysics, biology, and, most notably, politics. His most famous work on politics is “Politics”, a compilation of his thoughts on governance, the ideal state, and the nature of political communities. This work and others like the “Nicomachean Ethics” and the “Constitution of Athens” remain significant in political philosophy and continue to influence political scientists and philosophers to this day.
Also read: BA Hons in Political Science
Father of Political Science: Aristotle’s Political Philosophy
Aristotle’s political philosophy is marked by its systematic and pragmatic approach. His writings encompass a wide range of topics, including the nature of the state, the best form of government, the role of citizens, and the ethics of politics.
Aristotle’s Opinions on Tyranny, Democracy, and Slavery
In his 1851 article, He made the case that there would be no fair opportunity for the negroes to mature into men unless their civil and political rights are swiftly acknowledged. There is still much too much potential for calamities to strike our nation and shake its underpinnings.
According to Aristotle, the best models of the perfect republic are the old republics of Athens and Rome. However, the demos ultimately overthrew the aristocracy in both cases. Their steady ascent to undue authority was the root of the problem, which made them haughty and repressive.
Aristotle’s Opinions about the Flat Earth Idea
Aristotle disagreed with the belief held by many of his contemporaries that the earth was flat. The Greek philosopher also mentioned that lunar eclipses happen as the earth moves across the centres of the sun and moon. The earth is shaped like a sphere or circle around its perimeter, according to Aristotle. If the earth were flat, the shadow would appear completely different. The location of the North Star then occurred to Aristotle. The star appeared to be moving towards the north and towards the sky.
On the other hand, the North Star was invisible to those who travelled south of what is now known as the equator. When Aristotle eventually looked at the ship’s dock, he could only make out the distant tips of its sails before he could see the entire vessel. Aristotle believed that the earth’s apparent crescent shape was different from its true shape. If we lived on a flat planet, Aristotle’s conclusion would be true.
Who is the Father of Political Science: Aristotle’s Achievements
Here is the detail of Aristotle the father of Political Science Achievements:
| Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| Philosophical Contributions | Aristotle made significant contributions to various fields of philosophy, including ethics, metaphysics, biology, and politics. |
| Systematic Study of Politics | Aristotle’s “Politics” is a foundational work that laid the groundwork for the systematic study of politics and governance. |
| Classification of Governments | Aristotle classified governments into monarchy, aristocracy, polity, tyranny, oligarchy, and democracy, providing a typology. |
| Ethical Foundations of Politics | Emphasized the importance of ethics and virtue in governance, connecting the character of rulers to the well-being of the state. |
| Naturalistic Approach | Argued that politics and the state were natural extensions of human sociality and that humans are inherently political animals. |
| Golden Mean | Introduced the concept of the “Golden Mean,” emphasizing the importance of balance and moderation in moral and political life. |
| Ideas on Justice | Distinguished between distributive and corrective justice, influencing the development of legal and political systems. |
| Influence on Subsequent Thinkers | His ideas influenced numerous philosophers, such as Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and Montesquieu. |
Who is the Father of Political Science: Key Takeaways
Here are the key takeaways:
| Key Works | Details |
|---|---|
| Politics | Aristotle’s most famous work on Politics, covers topics such as the nature of the state, forms of government, and the role of citizens. |
| Nicomachean Ethics | A fundamental work in ethics, exploring the concepts of virtue, the good life, and the relationship between ethics and politics. |
| Constitution of Athens | An invaluable historical document that provides insights into the constitution and political practices of Athens during his time. |
| The Categories | A work in metaphysics, addressing the nature of being and classification of substances, which has had a lasting impact on philosophy. |
| Metaphysics | A comprehensive exploration of metaphysical concepts, delving into the nature of reality, existence, and causality. |
| Poetics | A study on the theory of drama and literature offers insights into the structure, elements, and aesthetics of poetry and theatre. |
| Physics | A treatise on natural philosophy, investigating topics related to motion, time, space, and the fundamental principles of the natural world. |
What is Political Science?
Political science is the systematic study of politics, government, and political behaviour. It is a social science discipline that seeks to understand and analyze the theory and practice of politics in various contexts, ranging from local governments to international relations. Political science explores the structure and functioning of political institutions, the behaviour of individuals and groups in the political arena, and the impact of government policies on society. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including the following:
- Political Theory: Examining the fundamental concepts, ideas, and principles that underpin political systems and ideologies. This includes the study of political philosophers like Aristotle, Plato, John Locke, and others.
- Comparative Politics: Analyzing different political systems, governments, and institutions around the world. This subfield seeks to understand how and why political systems vary and what effects these variations have on governance and society.
- International Relations: Focusing on the interactions between countries, international organizations, and global issues. International relations scholars study topics like diplomacy, conflict resolution, global trade, and international cooperation.
- Political Institutions: Investigating the structures and functions of government entities, such as legislatures, executives, and judiciaries. This area of study examines the roles of these institutions and how they affect policy and governance.
- Public Policy: Analyzing the development, implementation, and impact of government policies in various areas, from healthcare and education to environmental regulations and taxation.
- Political Behavior: Exploring the behaviour of individuals and groups in the political sphere. This includes the study of voting, public opinion, political participation, and the psychology of political decision-making.
- Political Economy: Examining the relationship between politics and economics, especially how government policies influence economic outcomes and vice versa.
- Political Philosophy: Delving into the ethical and philosophical foundations of political systems and governance. Political philosophers consider questions of justice, authority, and the ideal state.
- Policy Analysis: Conducting research and data-driven assessments to inform and evaluate government policies and programs.
Political science is not only an academic discipline but also plays a crucial role in informing public policy, contributing to political debates, and helping citizens better understand the political world in which they live. It is a dynamic field that adapts to the evolving challenges and complexities of the political landscape, making it an essential part of a functioning democracy and a tool for addressing societal issues on a global scale.
FAQ on Who is the Father of Political Science
Question 1. Who is the father of political science?
Answer: Aristotle
Question 2. Who is the father of civics?
Answer: Benjamin Franklin
Question 3. Is political science a science?
Answer: Political science is not a natural science like physics, chemistry, or biology, which follows the scientific method to study and understand natural phenomena. Instead, political science is considered a social science. Social sciences, including political science, focus on the study of human behaviour, societies, and institutions.
Question 4. Who said politics is the search of power?
Answer: Harold D Lasswell
