I find political science to be the most captivating for me due to numerous reasons. As Carr (2001) claims, “Utopia and reality are thus two facets of political science” (p. 10). The author explains that the aim of reaching a utopia is essential as there should be a necessary ideal for people to long for. Political science assesses this ideal and attempts to address the ways and actionable strategies to reach it by improving society and facilitating growth. However, unlike the utopist thinkers and their immature dreaming, political scientists look at real-life evidence and data to strategize and develop realistically viable approaches to a better future. As Hunt and Colander (2016) note, the historical background of the greatest civilizations, such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Ancient Greece, shows that people need political entities and realistic thought to govern themselves and advance. Thus, I believe that political science is a foundational aspect of any society and, consequently, want to study it to contribute to the creation of safe, nourishing, and growing communities.
As it concerns the actionable implementation of political science’s research findings in society, I believe that an evidence-based approach in politics should be implemented in its decision-making. Political science can address societal issues on a comprehensive level and administer peace, order, and conflict resolution in the given society. However, there is also a belief that social sciences are unable to address current events. As mentioned by Hunt and Colander (2016), Thomas Kuhn stated that social sciences’ progress happens through a paradigm. Scientists need time to accept the new and better theory, and before they do, experts can be barriers to a positive change regardless of the accuracy of the factual data.
Therefore, it can be argued that modern political scientists should adopt agility and cautiousness when it comes to change since new theories and research programs should be adopted for a seamless transition to utopia. Political science is not only philosophical but also a data-driven field whose findings have societal implications (Hunt & Colander, 2016). Governmental and societal entities, such as the country’s courts, regional police, and so forth, need to accept the contributions made by political science as long as they are evidence-based and have real-life applications.
References
Carr, E. (2001). The twenty years’ crisis, 1919-1939. Perennial.
Hunt, E., & Colander, D. (2016). Social Science: An Introduction to the Study of Society (16th ed.). Routledge.