Which one of the following points is the most important in favour of study of political science ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:

**Detailed explanation of why it is correct — include conceptual, or contextual depth:**

The study of Political Science fundamentally deals with power, governance, law, justice, rights, and citizenship. These core concepts are universal and essential for the organized functioning of any society, making its **relevance for all the groups** the most important factor supporting its study. Political life—which involves making collective decisions, distributing resources, and managing conflict—is inevitable for every individual, irrespective of their social, economic, or cultural background. By studying political science, citizens, leaders, bureaucrats, and marginalized groups alike gain the tools to understand their rights, fulfill their duties, and navigate the mechanisms of the state, ensuring that the government remains accountable and responsive to the public. Moreover, in modern diverse societies, political science helps in promoting tolerance, understanding political diversity, and finding common ground, thereby fostering democratic culture and ensuring equitable participation across all segments of the population. This pervasive and foundational impact on societal organization is what elevates Option 1 as the most crucial point.

The incorrect option is 2:

**Detailed explanation of why it is incorrect — include conceptual, or contextual depth:**

**Philosophical inspiration** is certainly a major component and a traditional starting point for political science, tracing back to thinkers like Plato and Aristotle, who explored normative questions about the 'good life' and the 'ideal state.' However, philosophical inspiration is a source or a subset of the study, not its most important purpose in the modern context. While philosophy provides the ethical framework, modern political science encompasses much more, including empirical research, behavioral studies, public administration, and international relations. Its ultimate importance lies in practical, real-world application to all citizens (its relevance), not solely in the academic or intellectual inspiration it offers to philosophers and theorists. Many students pursue political science for careers in law, civil services, or policy, where practical relevance outweighs purely philosophical inspiration.

The incorrect option is 3:

**Detailed explanation of why it is incorrect — include conceptual, or contextual depth:**

The idea of **Freeship from work responsibility** is entirely unrelated to the legitimate and serious objectives of studying political science. Education, particularly in a complex discipline like political science, is intended to prepare individuals for civic engagement, professional life, and thoughtful citizenship. In fact, studying political science typically increases one’s sense of civic responsibility, compelling individuals to become more involved in public affairs, which often requires more "work" and engagement, not less. Therefore, claiming that the study provides freedom from responsibility contradicts the very nature of political life, which demands active and informed participation from its members.

The incorrect option is 4:

**Detailed explanation of why it is incorrect — include conceptual, or contextual depth:**

The motivation **To prove oneself right** represents a personal and highly subjective goal, which is antithetical to the objective and scholarly pursuit of knowledge central to political science. While students may bring their own viewpoints to the discipline, the goal of academic study is to foster critical thinking, understand multiple perspectives, analyze evidence impartially, and formulate reasoned arguments, rather than merely validating pre-existing biases. If the primary motivation for studying political science were personal validation, it would undermine the discipline's capacity to serve as a public good, which requires understanding complex truths and seeking compromises and consensus, not just winning arguments.