Freedom of thought helps develop a culture of
rational argument, which solves conflicts
-Dev Raj Dahal, T.U
What is the connection between democratic theories and political science teaching and
research? How are most of the political theories derived from the public political culture
of democratic societies? Wherein lies the underlying consensus between the theories of
political science and democratic practice? Is political science ideologically neutral?
Political science can be considered a democratic science. The freedom and autonomy of
teaching and research in political science are allowed only in democratic societies. It is
because political science helps in the promotion of political consciousness, political
opinion and will formation, production of political choice in matters of public concerns
as well as allows the evaluation and judgement of politics. These elements are intrinsic
to the functions of democratic politics.
Political science is not ideologically neutral. It is heavily leaned towards democracy
and, consequently, most of its theories are derived from the democratic processes. The
ideological system of political science operates within the constraints of
"democratic principles" and popular consent is manufactured by means of
discussion and election. A democratic polity bridges the gulf between the intellectual
class and popular opinion by means of will-formation and the rule of law. Politics may be
about power, but democratic ideals require the legitimacy and accountability of power.
This means it must have public purpose rooted in what we call dharma as opposed to
self-will and self-righteousness intrinsic to contemporary social science and modernity.
Knowledge about politics as an art and "political" as a science presupposes
citizen participation in decision-making affecting their life, liberty and property. An
interface of political scientists with normative ideals helps in protecting democracy from
the crassly insidious market materialism, fundamentalism and populism of all sorts.
Individuals, groups or parties based on these factors attempt to instrumentalize the
diversity of society and try to promote homogeneity. This is a threat to democratic
pluralism and the right to dissent. Many other "isms," which sought to achieve
the "end of ideology" or the "end of history" were rooted in a
utopia--the notion that belief in particular ideology can bring a perfect world order. The
failure of each "grand ideology" was attributed to the fact that each sealed
itself off from positive criticism and colonized the life-world of people. Each ignored
the imperfectability of human nature-- the root of politics.
Every democratic society, therefore, provides basic qualification for citizen
participation in politics through socialization, education, training and orientations so
that they are more governed by norms than human nature and instincts and able to debunk
the myth that underlies utopia. Science can help us both in improving human nature and
falsifying the destructive power of utopia. Science is nothing without its relation to
social purpose-- the purpose of improving the conditions of human life and their
organizational structures.
Genuine democracy is based on an organizational structure that allows each individual to
involve in decision-making by combining his/her resources, educating own-self and others
and, formulating ideas and programs that he/she can articulate on the political agenda and
struggle to realize them. In the absence of such organizations, democracy becomes
"polyarchy," the domain of elite group or the rationalization of elite
domination. In this system, mass participation in political power is confined to
leadership selection and experts dictate the course of public policy in economic and
social matters.
This tells why political scientists are more interested in democracy than economists
(market), sociologists (civil society) and geographers (spatial variables). In this sense,
political science is public science or the science of people. As a democratic science it
believes in the equality of people, a system of rights, freedom of organization and
expression and the power of representation. None other social sciences values these
concepts much. For example, economics focuses on efficiency and brutal competition,
implying the fighting ability of individuals in marketplace. Economics, in this sense, is
the domain of virtue, a legitimizer of greed in social life. Sociology explores the
hierarchy of mankind. The degree of freedom of individuals or lack of it depends on their
location in the hierarchy. But, equality becomes disastrous if people are not properly
trained in political education and enabled them to select the best leadership for
governance.
Teaching political science is, therefore, a purposeful action; because in our conviction,
it incorporates systematic educational programs for the students that enables them to
achieve political responsibility in the life-world, self-determination, self-confidence
and autonomy in public life and political decision-making. Democracy requires informed
citizens who know about the institutions that dispose of power, the rules through which
they operate and the motives of individual who govern them. Teaching and research are
interrelated.
Research is a method of acquiring knowledge and information (data) about the meaning of
politics and theory of political process. Systematic collection, description,
quantification and analysis of information require idea (conceptualization) and
imagination (hypothesis) which are provided by research methodology-the rules and methods
political scientists apply in understanding and reinventing the world of politics.
Theory-building, generalization and abstractions are worthless unless their propositions
(knowledge of relationships, sequences and laws) are tested in the life-world and their
approved findings are applied in improving the quality of life of people.
The importance of research lies in the power of forming images and concepts that catches
the essence of things perceived. Concept forms the core of scientific thinking and so the
limitations of concepts, by definition, mark the limitation of self-expression-whether it
is research or teaching. Learning a concept has a synergy-establishing connection between
the world of political science theories and the drama of political life.
We believe, teaching and research in political science is not a part of political
indoctrination. Far from it. Genuine teaching and research are independent of power
consideration. If they are less genuine, then, students fall prey to the system of
exploitation and education becomes largely superficial unrelated to the reality of
people's lives. Political scientists must express truth before power, oppose where people
are silenced and human rights violated. Enslavement to power distances them from becoming
a scientist and removes their human sensitivity from the lives and hopes of powerless.
Political indoctrination controls human thought about politics, while the purpose of
political science is to liberate their thought and provide choices in political matters in
order to create basis for democratic political culture. Those who are subjected to
political indoctrination, suffer from illusion in later life once they are exposed to
media, scholarly research and publications as well as scientific exposure.
Freedom of thought helps to develop a culture of rational argument in which differences
and conflicts are solved through dialogue and peaceful means. Political science teaching,
in this sense, expects participatory methodology from both teachers and students, because
it supports all efforts for the further democratization of attitudes, beliefs and
orientations of the society and the state.
Participatory methodology, by definition, is input-oriented, interactive and mutually
learning. It is entirely different from other instruments of imposing knowledge and
information, which are, by nature, oppressive and restrictive of freedom. The purpose of
every education is the liberation of mind and body of the students and strengthening their
ideas, values, skills, knowledge and competence, not the instrument of imposition,
oppression and colonization. Instrumentalization of education makes the students convinced
of their intrinsic inferiority, weakens their power of thinking and imagination as well as
facilitates their domination. This sort of education is anti-democratic, essentially
exclusive and, therefore, prevents the attainment of self-realization. In this sense,
political science teaching and research, have purposive orientation to strengthen
participatory democracy by means of:
§ Imparting political data (information) and knowledge (interrelationships of concepts)
in an impartial manner so that students see their political reality with their own vision,
rather than the vision of a teacher.
§ Offering perspective to relate that knowledge to empirical world of concepts and
variables, even normative ideals for a better life. It supports their articulation and
self-affirmation.
§ Enhancing scientific competence and special skills to grasp social, economic and
political world of what it is (facts) and what it ought to be (values) thus capturing both
the empirical and the normative realms of politics.
§ Remaining close to everyday life of people and orienting oneself toward political
action, revelation of causes and consequences and co-relations between the life-world and
the political system.
§ Communicating between the life-world and the political system and facilitating constant
research feedbacks so that democracy adapts to human norms and responds to the needs of
people.
§ Stimulating political dialogues among the people and students to empower them to solve
complex issues of society and polity. Dialogue does not impose. It helps communication and
cooperation. A dialogue means a lot of give and take.
§ Integrating political education with other types of education and reinforcing the
validity and reliability of knowledge gained through interdisciplinary inquiry. This can
come only if all citizens share, up to their capacity, in determining public policy and
their personal destiny.
§ Inventing new ideas for building knowledge, solving societal problems and contributing
to public policy intended to promote common goods. Political science must deal the issues
that fundamentally shape our lives.
The above points suggest that political scientists are morally responsible for their
teaching and research products. If their moral responsibility and action contribute to the
promotion of democratic values, institutions and processes, it will help the relevance of
political science in nation-building and social change as well as boost its autonomy as a
discipline. Political science training, professional identity and competence must have
certain utility to the society to make their efforts both purposeful and continuous. It
enriches their initiatives and solidarity. Genuine fellowship in occupation makes for
democracy.
Based on a Speech delivered at a seminar organized by Cetral Department of Political
Science, TU in cooperation with FES, March 19, 2001. |
