Father of Political Science - Aristotle

Political science is a discipline that studies governance, power, laws, and policies that shape societies. But have you ever wondered who is the father of political science? The answer is Aristotle, the great Greek philosopher, who laid the foundation for political thought and structured governance theories. His father of political science contributions have influenced politics, philosophy, and governance for centuries.

Aristotle- The Father of Political Science

Aristotle father of political science (384–322 BCE) was a student of Plato and later became a teacher of Alexander the Great. He studied various subjects, including ethics, metaphysics, logic, and political science. His most famous work, Politics, remains a cornerstone of political theory today.

Why is Aristotle Called the Father of Political Science?

1. First Systematic Study of Politics
   • Aristotle Politics father of political science provided the first structured study of government systems and political structures using empirical observation.
   • He studied over 150 Greek city-states to understand their political systems and forms of government.
2. Concept of the Polis (City-State)
   • Aristotle believed that the state (polis) exists to ensure the well-being of its citizens, emphasizing social and political animal nature of humans.
   • He emphasized that politics should aim to create a just and stable society based on the theory of constitution.
3. Classification of Governments
   • He categorized governments into three main types:
     • Monarchy (Rule by One) – Can become a tyranny.
     • Aristocracy (Rule by Few) – Can turn into an oligarchy.
     • Democracy (Rule by Many) – Can become mob rule, an idea also debated in modern political science.
4. Political Ethics and Morality
   • Father of political science ethics debate surrounds Aristotle's views on governance and moral responsibility in leadership.
   • Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics promotes the golden mean in governance.
5. His Work in Politics is Still Relevant Today
   • His analysis of constitutional government, citizenship, and justice continues to influence modern political science, international relations, and comparative politics.

Also Check: Why is Aristotle known as the Father of Biology?

Machiavelli: The Father of Modern Political Science

Machiavelli father of political science is another major figure in political history. Unlike Aristotle, who emphasized virtue and ethics, Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527) introduced the concept of political realism in his famous work, The Prince, influencing realism in politics and political methodology.

• Machiavelli The Prince father of political science presents governance based on power and strategy rather than ethics, reflecting aspects of social contract theory.
• Advocated for strong rulers who prioritize power and control, a principle studied in political economy.
• Removed morality from politics, arguing that rulers should use deception and manipulation if necessary, similar to Enlightenment philosophy critiques.

Father of Political Science: Aristotle vs. Machiavelli

Father of Political Science Legacy

Father of political science history shows Aristotle and Machiavelli had contrasting views, but both shaped the field significantly. Aristotle's ideas influenced democracy, social sciences, and applied political science, while Machiavelli's theories contributed to modern political analysis and evolution of political thought.

Both thinkers continue to impact political science today, with Aristotle promoting governance based on ethics and justice, and Machiavelli emphasizing power and realism, a debate extending into historical analysis in politics and philosophical inquiry into governance.