1
SCHOOL OF LAW
SUBJECT:
POLITICAL THEORY (LA23.101)
TOPIC:
DEFINITION, AIMS, AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
SESSION: 2025-2026
SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:
DR. RAJARSHI CHAKRABORTY ANU POONIA
[Link] 1ST YEAR
2
CONTENTS
[Link] TITLE PAGE NO.
1 INTRODUCTION 3
2 DEFINITION 4-6
3 AIMS 7-9
4 SCOPE 10-13
5 CONCLUSION 14
6 BIBLIOGRAPHY 15
INTRODUCTION
Politics is one of the most fundamental and enduring aspects of human existence. From the
earliest communities to complex modern states, individuals have continually engaged in
collective decision-making, conflict resolution, and the pursuit of common goals—activities that
form the essence of politics. The study of politics, therefore, is not limited to governments and
institutions; it extends to understanding power relations, authority, justice, and participation in all
3
spheres of life. As Aristotle famously stated, “Man is by nature a political animal,” highlighting
that politics is inseparable from human society and interaction.
The term politics originated from the Greek word POLIS, meaning city-state, and traditionally
referred to the art of governing communities. Over time, its meaning has evolved to encompass
a
wide range of activities and relationships concerned with the distribution and exercise of power.
Different thinkers have interpreted politics in various ways some view it as the pursuit of the
common good, others as the struggle for power, and still others as the mechanism for achieving
social justice and stability.
This assignment seeks to explore the concept of politics in a comprehensive manner by studies
its definition, aims, and scope. It will discuss how the meaning of politics has
developed from classical to modern interpretations, what objectives it strives to achieve in
society, and the extent to which political activity influences different aspects of human life.
Understanding these dimensions provides deeper insight into the nature and significance of
politics as a central field of study in political theory.
Definition of Politics
The term politics has been interpreted in numerous ways throughout history, reflecting the
diversity of human societies and the evolution of political thought. There is no single,
universally accepted definition of politics; rather, it is a multidimensional concept that
encompasses
governance, power, authority, justice, and public decision-making. Each era and school of
thought has defined politics according to its own philosophical assumptions and social
conditions. Broadly, these definitions can be divided into classical or traditional, modern or
empirical, and contemporary or critical perspectives.
4
1. Classical or Traditional Definitions
In the classical tradition, politics was closely associated with ethics and the moral purpose of
human life. Aristotle, often regarded as the “Father of Political Science,” defined politics as the
“master science” that seeks the good life for citizens. For him, the state existed not merely to
maintain order but to promote virtue and justice. He argued that humans, being naturally social,
could achieve their fullest potential only within a political community (polis). Hence, politics
was seen as the means to attain the highest moral and social ends.
Similarly, Plato in The Republic conceived politics as a moral enterprise aimed at achieving
justice through a well-ordered state governed by philosopher-kings. He viewed political
authority as legitimate only when it contributed to the moral development of citizens. Cicero and
other
Roman thinkers continued this ethical interpretation, emphasizing the duty of citizens to
participate in public life for the welfare of the community. Thus, classical thinkers viewed
politics as an extension of moral philosophy—concerned with virtue, justice, and the common
good.
2. Modern or Empirical Definitions
With the rise of modernity and the scientific approach to social studies, the understanding of
politics shifted from moral ideals to practical realities. Politics began to be analyzed in terms of
power, authority, and the functioning of institutions rather than moral ends.
Niccolò Machiavelli, in The Prince, presented one of the earliest modern views, describing
politics as the art of acquiring and maintaining power. He separated politics from ethics, arguing
that rulers must act according to political necessity rather than moral ideals. This marked the
beginning of a realistic and pragmatic understanding of politics.
In the twentieth century, several scholars offered definitions that focused on power and
decisionmaking. Harold Lasswell famously defined politics as “who gets what, when, and how.”
His
definition highlights the distributional aspect of politics—how resources, rights, and privileges
are allocated within society. Similarly, David Easton described politics as “the authoritative
allocation of values for a society,” emphasizing the role of political institutions in making
binding decisions that shape collective life.
5
Max Weber provided another influential definition, viewing politics as “the striving to share
power or influence the distribution of power, whether between states or within a state.” For
Weber, politics was fundamentally about the control of legitimate power, especially as exercised
through the state’s monopoly of coercion. These modern definitions transformed the study of
politics into an empirical and analytical discipline, focusing on how power operates in practice.
3. Contemporary or Critical Perspectives
In contemporary times, scholars have expanded the meaning of politics beyond the state to
include all forms of power relations in society. Marxist thinkers interpret politics as a reflection
of economic structures and class struggle. According to Karl Marx, the state and political
institutions primarily serve the interests of the ruling economic class, making politics inseparable
from material and economic relations. Feminist theorists further broadened the definition by
arguing that “the personal is political.” They emphasized that politics also exists in private
spheres—family, gender relations, and everyday life—where power and inequality
operate. Likewise, postmodern and post-colonial scholars see politics as a contest over meaning,
identity, and representation, not merely a struggle for formal power.
In addition, globalization has introduced new dimensions to politics. International organizations,
transnational movements, and digital communication have blurred the boundaries between
domestic and global politics. Issues like human rights, climate change, and global governance are
now central to political discussions, further widening the scope of what we mean by “politics.”
6
4. Summary
In essence, politics can be understood as both the art of governance and the struggle for power.
Classical thinkers saw it as a moral pursuit for the common good; modern thinkers treated it as a
process of power and decision-making; and contemporary scholars interpret it as a pervasive
aspect of all human relationships involving authority and influence. Therefore, politics is best
viewed as the dynamic process through which societies organize power, make collective
decisions, and seek to balance order, justice, and freedom.
AIMS OF POLITICS
The aims of politics have been one of the central concerns of political theory since its origin.
While the definition of politics tells us what it is, the aims of politics explain why it exists and
what it seeks to achieve. The purpose of political activity has evolved through history,
influenced by different philosophical traditions, ideologies, and social conditions. Generally,
politics aims to organize collective life, maintain order, promote justice, and secure the welfare
and freedom of individuals within society. These aims vary depending on the thinker’s
worldview, but they all focus on guiding human coexistence toward a stable and meaningful
social order.
7
1. The Common Good and the Good Life
For classical thinkers like Aristotle and Plato, the aim of politics was the common good and the
good life. Aristotle considered the state to be a natural association established for the sake of
living well. He believed that political life enables individuals to achieve their full potential
through participation in civic affairs. Politics, therefore, was not merely about power but about
cultivating virtue, justice, and moral excellence among citizens. Similarly, Plato saw politics as a
moral endeavor that should aim at justice and the harmony of the state. In this view, politics
serves as a means for achieving human flourishing and ethical development.
2. Order, Stability, and Security
With the emergence of modern political thought, thinkers began to view politics as a mechanism
for maintaining social order and preventing chaos. Thomas Hobbes, in his work Leviathan,
argued that without a common political authority, human life would be “solitary, poor, nasty,
brutish, and short.” According to him, politics aims to establish peace and stability through a
sovereign power capable of enforcing laws and protecting individuals from violence.
Similarly, John Locke viewed politics as necessary to safeguard natural rights—life, liberty, and
property. For both thinkers, political authority is justified because it provides security and
stability, ensuring that individuals can live peacefully within an organized society. Thus, one of
the key aims of politics is to create and sustain order through legitimate authority.
3. Justice and Equality
A major aim of politics is to ensure justice, which involves the fair distribution of rights,
opportunities, and resources. From Aristotle’s distributive justice to John Rawls’s theory of
justice as fairness, political systems are judged by how they treat their members. In modern
democratic societies, justice includes not only legal equality but also social and economic
fairness.
Political institutions are expected to reduce inequality, protect human rights, and promote
inclusiveness. For example, welfare policies, affirmative action, and democratic participation are
political efforts to make societies more just and equitable. Hence, politics aims to create
conditions where citizens can live with dignity and equality under the rule of law.
8
4. Power and Governance
Another essential aim of politics is to regulate and exercise power effectively. Politics provides
mechanisms for decision-making, conflict resolution, and leadership. Max Weber defined
politics as the striving for power or influence within a state. However, the aim is not simply to
gain power but to use it responsibly for governance and the common interest.
Through constitutions, institutions, and laws, politics seeks to balance competing interests and
prevent the abuse of authority. The existence of checks and balances, opposition parties, and
civil liberties demonstrates that the purpose of politics is not absolute control but responsible
and accountable governance.
5. Freedom and Human Development
In the liberal tradition, the central aim of politics is the protection of individual freedom.
Thinkers like John Stuart Mill emphasized that political systems must ensure personal liberty
and limit the power of the state over individuals. Freedom allows citizens to express their views,
participate in decision-making, and pursue their own goals.
Modern democracies also link politics with human development education, health, gender
equality, and social welfare. The expansion of rights and freedoms through democratic
institutions shows that the goal of politics is to empower individuals while maintaining
collective harmony.
9
Scope of Politics
The scope of politics refers to the range of activities, institutions, and relationships that fall
within the study and practice of political life. In simple terms, it defines how far politics
extends—what issues, actors, and interactions are considered political. Over time, the scope of
politics has expanded from a narrow concern with government and state institutions to include
society, economy, culture, and global affairs. Understanding its scope helps clarify the
boundaries of political inquiry and reveals how deeply politics influences every aspect of
collective human existence.
1. Narrow or Traditional View of the Scope of Politics
The traditional or narrow view identifies politics primarily with the activities of the state and its
formal institutions. According to this view, politics is concerned with the organization and
functioning of government, the formulation and execution of public policies, and the
relationship between rulers and citizens. It focuses on constitutions, parliaments, political
parties, elections, and laws.
Thinkers such as Aristotle, Hobbes, and Locke considered the state to be the central arena of
political life. For them, politics was the art of governing and maintaining order within a defined
political community. This perspective dominated the early study of political science, especially
during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the discipline emphasized
constitutional structures, administration, and statecraft.
10
In this narrow sense, the scope of politics includes activities like law-making, enforcement of
authority, maintenance of public order, and the operation of governmental institutions. While
this approach provides clarity and focus, it has been criticized for ignoring the broader social
and economic forces that shape political life.
2. Broad or Modern View of the Scope of Politics
The modern view, which emerged after the behavioral revolution in political science, adopts a
much broader understanding of politics. It argues that politics is not confined to the state but is
present wherever power, authority, and decision-making exist. According to this view, politics
extends to all areas of social life — families, workplaces, educational institutions, and
international relations — because all involve the exercise of power and influence.
David Easton expanded the scope of politics through his systems theory, defining politics as
“the authoritative allocation of values for a society.” This definition includes any process that
influences how values such as wealth, status, or rights are distributed. Harold Lasswell’s
definition of politics as “who gets what, when, and how” similarly highlights the everyday
nature of political behavior, extending the concept to all struggles for resources and recognition.
Under this broader view, politics is not just about state institutions but also about social
movements, interest groups, public opinion, media, and civil society organizations. It includes
the study of power relations in all spheres where people interact and make collective choices.
3. Domestic and International Dimensions
The scope of politics can also be divided into domestic politics and international politics.
Domestic politics deals with political activities within a country — government structure,
policymaking, party systems, and citizen participation. International politics, on the other hand,
studies relations among states and global actors. With the rise of globalization, international
politics has gained immense significance, covering issues such as diplomacy, war, peace, global
trade, and international organizations like the United Nations (UN), World Trade Organization
(WTO), and European Union (EU).
11
Thus, the scope of politics today transcends national boundaries. Global challenges such as
climate change, migration, terrorism, and pandemics demonstrate that political decisions have
worldwide implications. The studies interdependence among nations has made international
cooperation a vital part of modern political life.
4. Interdisciplinary Nature of Politics
Politics also overlaps with several other disciplines, making its scope interdisciplinary. Political
economy studies the relationship between politics and economics, exploring how power shapes
wealth distribution and economic policy. Political sociology studieses how social structures,
culture, and identity influence political behavior. Political philosophy connects politics with
ethics, questioning justice, rights, and the legitimacy of power. Similarly, politics interacts with
law, psychology, history, and geography, reflecting its complex and wide-ranging nature.
This interdisciplinary nature shows that politics cannot be studied in isolation. It affects — and
is affected by — all major aspects of human civilization, from moral values and social structures
to global governance.
5. Expanding Frontiers: New Areas of Political Study
In contemporary times, the scope of politics has widened further to include issues such as
gender, environment, technology, and identity. Feminist political theory studies how power
operates in private spaces like the family, challenging the traditional separation between public
and private spheres. Environmental politics focuses on sustainable development and the political
dimensions of ecological crises. Digital politics or cyber-politics explores how technology and
social media shape political participation and influence public opinion.
12
Globalization and digital communication have blurred the boundaries between national and
international politics, making citizens part of a global political community. This studies scope
demonstrates that politics now encompasses every area where decisions about power, justice,
and governance are made.
6. Summary of the Scope
In conclusion, the scope of politics has evolved from a limited study of state institutions to an
expansive field that includes all aspects of power and collective decision-making. It now covers
government, society, economy, culture, and global relations. Politics permeates both the public
and private spheres and influences every level of human interaction. By understanding its wide
scope, we recognize that politics is not a specialized activity but a constant presence in everyday
life shaping how people live together, pursue justice, and organize their collective destiny.
13
Conclusion
Politics lies at the heart of human civilization. It is through political organization and
decisionmaking that societies maintain order, pursue justice, and promote collective
welfare.
From its
classical understanding as the moral pursuit of the good life to its modern interpretation as the
exercise of power and authority, politics has remained an essential mechanism for organizing
human life. It determines how power is distributed, how laws are made, and how rights and
responsibilities are defined within a community.
The aims of politics are deeply connected to its definition; BOTH seek to explain the purpose of
political association. While thinkers like Aristotle and Plato viewed politics to achieve virtue and
the common good, modern theorists such as Hobbes, Locke, and Weber emphasized order,
justice, and the regulation of power. In MODERN times, politics also aims to ensure equality,
freedom, and human development across societies and nations.
The scope of politics has expanded remarkably, extending from the boundaries of the state to
the entire social and global sphere. Politics now encompasses not only governance and
institutions but also everyday struggles for identity, justice, and participation.
14
Bibliography
Aristotle. (1998). Politics (C. D. C. Reeve, Trans.). Hackett Publishing.
(Original work published ca. 350 BCE)
Cicero, M. T. (1991). On Duties (M. T. Griffin & E. M. Atkins, Eds.). Cambridge University
Press.
Easton, D. (1965). A Systems Analysis of Political Life. Wiley.
Hobbes, T. (1996). Leviathan (R. Tuck, Ed.). Cambridge University Press.
(Original work published 1651)
Lasswell, H. D. (1936). Politics: Who Gets What, When, How. McGraw-Hill.
Locke, J. (1988). Two Treatises of Government (P. Laslett, Ed.). Cambridge University Press.
(Original work published 1690)
Machiavelli, N. (1998). The Prince (D. Donno, Trans.). Oxford University Press.
(Original work published 1532)
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1970). The German Ideology. Lawrence & Wishart.(Original work
published 1845–1846)
