1. Why Aristotle is Considered the Father of Political Science 2. Key Contributions of Aristotle to the Field of Political Science 3. The Role of Political Science in Modern Society and Governance 4. What Does Political Science Study and Why is it Important 5. Aristotle's Impact on Political Theory and Government Systems 6. Career Opportunities After Studying Political Science 7. Personal Life and Legacy of Aristotle, the Father of Political Science

Father of Political Science: A Tribute to Aristotle

Political science, the systematic study of politics, government, and the relationships between individuals and society, has long been one of the most important disciplines in the realm of social sciences. As a formal academic discipline, political science helps in understanding governance structures, political behavior, public policies, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. One individual whose contributions to this field have been foundational is Aristotle, often hailed as the Father of Political Science.

Aristotle’s work laid the groundwork for the study of politics by blending theoretical insights with practical observations. His influence on political theory has been so profound that modern political science is still deeply shaped by his ideas and classifications. This article explores why Aristotle is regarded as the father of political science, his major contributions, what political science entails as a subject, its real-world applications, and the career opportunities available for those who study political science. Additionally, we will take a closer look at Aristotle’s life, his family, and his lasting legacy.

Why Aristotle is Known as the Father of Political Science

Aristotle, a Greek philosopher born in 384 BCE in Stagira, is often regarded as the father of political science due to his extensive work in political theory, governance, and the nature of statecraft. While politics and governance existed in various forms prior to Aristotle, he was the first to systematically study and categorize different forms of government and political systems. His writings on politics, most notably in his work Politics, laid the foundation for the modern understanding of political systems.

Aristotle's Foundational Work in Political Science

Before Aristotle’s contributions, political thought was largely based on mythological explanations or speculative philosophical theories without much empirical evidence or systematic analysis. Aristotle was the first to adopt a scientific approach to studying politics, analyzing various political systems through observation and classification. His comparative study of political organizations sought to establish principles of governance that could be applied universally, rather than being based solely on the particularities of any one society.

Aristotle’s ideas on politics went beyond theoretical musings; they sought to address practical questions about how societies function, how governments should be structured, and what constitutes justice and equality in a political community. His works such as Politics and Nicomachean Ethics are considered foundational texts in political science, laying the intellectual groundwork for subsequent generations of political philosophers and social scientists.

Aristotle's Major Contributions to Political Science

Aristotle’s contributions to political science are vast and span many aspects of political thought. His impact is still evident in modern political theory, where his ideas continue to influence both liberal and conservative thought.

1. The Classification of Governments

Aristotle made significant contributions to the classification of political systems. In his work Politics, he classified governments into three good forms and three corrupt forms, creating a taxonomy that remains relevant today. The three good forms are:

• Monarchy: Rule by a single virtuous ruler who governs for the common good.
• Aristocracy: Rule by a small, virtuous elite who govern for the benefit of society.
• Polity: A mixed form of government where the middle class holds power, preventing any one group from dominating.

These three forms, according to Aristotle, can degenerate into corrupt forms:

• Tyranny: The corrupted form of monarchy, where a ruler seeks personal gain at the expense of the common good.
• Oligarchy: The corrupted form of aristocracy, where a few wealthy elites rule for their own benefit.
• Democracy: In Aristotle’s view, democracy could become corrupt when it was governed by the mob or the poor who pursued their own interests without regard for the common good.

This classification system allowed Aristotle to present a clear framework for analyzing and critiquing various political systems, helping to shape future debates on governance and political power.

2. The Concept of the Best Possible Government

Aristotle believed that the best possible government is one that balances the interests of the rich, the poor, and the middle class. Unlike Plato, who championed the idea of philosopher-kings, Aristotle argued that the most stable and just government was one that reflected the virtue and rationality of its citizens, rather than being driven by one individual's wisdom or wealth. Aristotle’s focus on mixed government has influenced modern republicanism and ideas about constitutional democracy, where power is distributed to ensure stability and prevent corruption.

3. The Idea of Citizenship and the Role of the Individual

Aristotle’s conception of citizenship was another key contribution to political science. He believed that active participation in political life was a defining characteristic of a citizen. Unlike modern liberal theorists who focus on individual rights, Aristotle stressed the importance of individuals working together for the common good of the community. According to Aristotle, political life was not only about exercising rights, but also about fulfilling duties and engaging in virtuous actions for the welfare of the state.

4. The Role of the Middle Class

Aristotle argued that the middle class is crucial for the stability of the state. He believed that extreme wealth and extreme poverty lead to instability and factionalism, while the middle class tends to be more moderate and less prone to pursuing narrow self-interest. This idea has found resonance in modern political thought, where the role of a strong and active middle class is often seen as vital for the health of a democracy.

5. Ethics and Politics

Aristotle’s work Nicomachean Ethics explored the connection between ethics and politics, suggesting that political institutions should be designed to promote virtue and moral excellence in citizens. For Aristotle, the best political system was one that fostered the moral development of its citizens, enabling them to lead good, flourishing lives. This connection between ethics and politics remains central in modern political philosophy, especially in debates about the role of government in fostering social justice and the common good.

What Does Political Science Entail as a Subject?

Political science is the study of politics, government, and political behavior. As a discipline, it seeks to understand the mechanisms of power, authority, and governance at local, national, and international levels. Political science encompasses a wide range of topics, including:

1. Political Theory

Political theory is the study of ideas about politics, such as liberty, justice, equality, and democracy. It traces the evolution of political thought from ancient philosophers like Aristotle to modern thinkers such as John Locke, Karl Marx, and Friedrich Hayek. Political theorists analyze the principles that underpin different systems of governance and examine concepts such as democracy, socialism, and liberalism.

2. Comparative Politics

Comparative politics involves the study of political systems and governments across different countries. This subfield seeks to identify patterns and similarities between various political structures and to analyze how they function. Comparative politics also studies issues such as political culture, electoral systems, political parties, and governance structures.

3. International Relations

International relations examines the relationships between countries and the role of international organizations, diplomacy, war, and trade. It focuses on topics such as globalization, conflict resolution, international law, and the behavior of states and non-state actors in the global arena.

4. Public Policy and Administration

Public policy and administration are concerned with the implementation of government decisions and the management of public resources. Scholars in this area study the formation of policies, the role of bureaucracies, and the relationship between elected officials and civil servants.

5. Political Economy

Political economy explores the relationship between politics and economics, focusing on how government policies impact the economy and vice versa. This subfield includes the study of topics such as economic development, trade policies, and the regulation of markets.

Career Prospects After Studying Political Science

A degree in political science opens up a wide array of career opportunities. The skills learned in political science, such as critical thinking, research, and communication, are highly valued in many sectors, including government, international organizations, think tanks, and the private sector. Some career options for political science graduates include:

1. Political Analyst

Political analysts research political trends, analyze policies, and forecast election outcomes. They work for government agencies, political parties, or media outlets, providing insights into political developments.

2. Public Policy Expert

Public policy experts advise governments, think tanks, and NGOs on policy decisions. They research issues such as education, healthcare, and the economy, and provide recommendations to improve government programs.

3. Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer

Diplomats represent their country abroad and engage in negotiations on behalf of their government. A career in diplomacy requires strong knowledge of international relations, law, and cross-cultural communication.

4. Political Campaign Manager

Campaign managers oversee the organization and strategy of political campaigns, ensuring candidates are able to communicate their message effectively to voters and win elections.

5. Journalist

Political journalists report on political events, government policies, and elections. They write for newspapers, magazines, websites, and broadcast outlets, providing critical analysis of political developments.

6. Legal Advisor/Attorney

A degree in political science provides a strong foundation for those interested in pursuing a career in law, particularly in areas such as constitutional law, human rights, or international law.

7. Political Consultant

Political consultants advise political candidates on campaign strategy, public relations, and voter outreach. They help shape the political message of candidates and ensure that their campaigns are effective.

Personal Information About Aristotle

Aristotle was born in 384 BCE in Stagira, a city in northern Greece. His father, Nicomachus, was a physician to the Macedonian king, which may have influenced Aristotle's early interest in biology and science. Aristotle was educated at Plato’s Academy in Athens, where he studied philosophy

and logic. After Plato’s death, Aristotle tutored Alexander the Great, who would go on to conquer much of the known world. Aristotle returned to Athens and founded his own school, the Lyceum, where he conducted research and wrote many of his most important works.

Aristotle’s influence on political science, philosophy, and many other disciplines remains profound to this day. His ideas have shaped the way we think about politics, government, and justice, and his legacy continues to inspire scholars and political theorists around the world.

Aristotle’s contributions to political science have been immeasurable. By classifying different forms of government, emphasizing the importance of the middle class, and highlighting the connection between ethics and politics, he created a framework that remains foundational to the study of political science today. Political science is an exciting and dynamic field with numerous career prospects, and Aristotle’s work continues to be a source of inspiration and guidance for students, scholars, and political leaders worldwide.