Traditional Approaches to Political Science

Alan Ball comments: “Before 1900, the study of Politics was largely dominated by philosophy, history and law.” Thus traditional approaches include philosophical, historical and legal methodologies in the study to Political Science. Again as Alan Ball says “to use the label ‘traditional’ is neither a criticism nor a refutation of the obvious fact that they still play important roles in modern political studies, although no longer monopolising the avenues of approach.” Modern Political scientists still consider it necessary to study Plato or Hegel. However, modern political science emphasises ‘what is’ rather than “what ought to be.” In other words modern Political Science is not very concerned with universal values.

Traditional political philosophy is criticised on the ground that its conclusions are all a priori deductions. But even among traditional philosophers there were some who tried to reach conclusions on the basis of observed facts. Aristotle wrote his “Politics” after studying 158 constitutions. Machiavelli’s advice to the “Prince” was based on his observations of the Italian Renaissance states.

In spite of all criticisms against it, the philosophical approach has some points to its credit. Ancient political concepts like freedom, rights, liberty etc. provide a basis for communication, a sort of common ground we may say, among the political scientists of different countries. Secondly, the books of philosophers were the first explorations in the field of comparative government. Thirdly, works of classical philosophers provide a glimpse into the historical set up which inspired those works. Thus for example, Locke’s works were inspired by the historical circumstances leading to the Glorious Revolution in England, 1688.

There were similar weighty reasons why historical method continues to be useful to the political scientists of our time. Historians construct a coherent pattern out of the jigsaws of historical records. Many of our present day political institutions and practices have their roots in the past. But past records often leaves alarming gaps. Political history is often the records of the activities of kings and emperors. But modern Political scientists try to find out the process of the growth and development of political institutions. Thus for example, Jennings wrote extensively on the growth of the office of British Prime Minister, and parties.

Constitutional law forms the third major element of traditional political studies. The relationship between politics and constitutional law is very close. Any serious student and government must, for example read Deicey’s “Law of the Constitution” first published in 1885. Concepts such as a sovereignty of the Parliament, rule of the law, separation of powers etc. form essential parts of the course on Political Science and government.

The traditional approaches – philosophical, historical or legal are still very useful particularly in the examination of major political institutions like the legislatures, executives, civil-service or the judiciary. “From these examinations valuable insights as to their organisation can be drawn, proposals for reform discussed and general conclusions offered.”

However within the descriptive-analytic framework of the traditional approaches, different scholars focus the spotlight on different aspects of political institutions. Thus for example, while Edward Corwin focuses on the American President’s office and power, Richard Neustadt examines the informal processes of “Presidential Power.” In India also a new generation of political scientists, trained in the methods of old traditional school, are engaged in the examination of the informal process of government and politics through non-traditional approaches.

Finally, not all the scholars of the traditional approach have been University teachers. People engaged in other professions have also left their mark in this field. Thus, Walter Bagehot, a working journalist of the 19^th century or D.D. Basu, a sitting judge of the high court in India have produced classic works on the British and the Indian Constitutions.