Aristotle called political science as supreme or Master science. Many writers like Thomas Hobbes, Jean Bod in, and Lord Bryce agree that political science is a science.
Reasons for it to be called as a science are:
1. Political Science is a systematic study: Just like the science subjects which are studied systematically, in the same way, it is possible to make a study of political science. There is a connection between cause and effects.
2. Experiments are possible in Political Science: Politics is also a systematized knowledge which has been acquired by systematic observation, experiment and study. For e.g. framing the Indian constitution and the methods of direct democratic devices adopted in Switzerland.
3. Common principles, conclusions possible: Political scientists have arrived at broad principles after observing the political phenomenon over a long period of time. Reasons for the rise of new states, the eruption of revolts and revolutions, the emergence of political parties, etc, have been discovered.
4. Relationship between the causes and effects can be known: In political science with a greater degree of approximation, the relationship between causes and effects can be established.
5. More exact than other social sciences: Political science has the status of being more exact than other social sciences. Some writers consider political science as a part of political philosophy. It may be noticed that every political theory owes its origin to some philosophical idea. But however, we need not accept this argument in political science, not only deal with theories and ideas but also with practice.
In political science, there is an attempt to apply theoretical knowledge to the practice of politics. An art to be perfected require intelligence and constant practice by artist. On the basis of the above discussions, it may be concluded that it is an art.
1. Absence of Uniform terminology: The study is called by different terms and there is no unanimity among thinkers regarding the exact term. The subject is called politics, political science, political theory, political philosophy, applied politics, theoretical politics, etc.
2. Differences regarding methods, definition, and scope: There is no single method of studying the subject but different methods are available. Political principles are not universally accepted and applied. Terms like democracy, socialism, communism, liberalism, and Nationalism have been defined and explained in different ways.
3. Absence of Precision: Political science lacks precision in the study of state and government or theories like democracy.
4. Experimentation is not possible: Conducting experiments in political science is difficult since it deals with human beings and their behavior is unpredictable.
5. Absence of Universal Laws: Political science has certain concepts acceptable with similar meaning but there is no universal truth.
6. Difficult to predict the future: Political researchers find it difficult to predict the future course of events since political events are subject to ever-changing public opinion.
7. Lack of Objectivity: The political scientist cannot be objective since he is influenced by race, religious, economic and other considerations.
