What is political science? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of political science in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of political science

political sciencenoun

khoa học chính trị

/pəˌlɪtɪkl ˈsaɪəns//pəˌlɪtɪkl ˈsaɪəns/

Where does the word political science come from?

The term "political science" emerged in the late 19th century as a way to describe the academic field that studied political systems and their effects on society. The word "science" was chosen to emphasize the use of empirical methods and systematic analysis in the study of politics, drawing parallels with other scientific disciplines. Prior to this, political inquiry was often associated with philosophy, as thinkers such as Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas applied moral and theoretical principles to understand the nature of political authority. However, as the modern state became increasingly complex and influential in shaping society, scholars began to emphasize the need for a more systematic and empirical approach to political analysis. This led to the emergence of political science as a distinct academic field, focused on understanding the principles, institutions, and outcomes of political governance in a rigorous and objective manner.

Example of vocabulary political sciencenamespace

  • Jessica earned a degree in political science and now works as a congressional lobbyist.
  • Peter's dissertation in political science focused on the relationship between income inequality and political participation.
  • Emily took a political science class to better understand the legislative process and how it affects policy development.
  • The political science department at the university is renowned for its rigorous curriculum and talented faculty.
  • Sarah's passion for political science led her to study abroad in a country with a different political system than her own.

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