Chapter 3 : Nature of Politics

Nature of Politics

Introduction: Politics as a Discipline and a Process

The term ‘politics’ denotes both a particular social phenomenon (a process) and the systematic study of that phenomenon (a discipline).

• Politics as a Discipline:
• Originates from ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who used Politics as the title of his famous work to indicate a distinct branch of study.
• Modern writers frequently use 'politics' synonymously with 'political science'.
• Academic departments often use the terms interchangeably. For instance, the University of Mumbai has a Department of Civics and Politics, while the University of Delhi maintains a Department of Political Science. A similar variation is seen in the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
• Layman’s Image of Politics:
• Alan Ball (Modern Politics and Government; 1988) identifies two problems with general impressions of politics:

1. It is wrongly assumed to concern only the public sector, parliaments, elections, and cabinets, with little relevance to other human spheres.
2. It is dangerously confused solely with party politics, intrigues, and the tricks of power-seeking politicians.

• This vague assumption leads to politics being dubbed the "last resort of scoundrels" or a "dirty game."
• Etymology and Evolution:
• Derived from the Greek word 'polis', meaning ancient Greek city-state. Ancient Greek thinkers used it to describe the activities of citizens operating the state.
• Traditional writers viewed political science as the "science of the state," studying state institutions and ideal state concepts.
• Modern writers recognize politics as a social process that permeates the entire social fabric, not just formal state institutions.

Key Terms

📌 Exam Tidbits

• Aristotle adopted Politics as the title of his famous work, establishing it as a distinct branch of study.
• Henry Sidgwick authored The Elements of Politics (1891).
• Harold J. Laski authored A Grammar of Politics ( 1925 ) and An…