Which of the following pairs is correctly matched as regards to political thinker and their known definition of politics?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The correct pair is A. Bierce: "By politics I mean a process of active controversy." Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914) was an American writer, journalist, and satirist, best known for his *The Devil's Dictionary*. His definition of politics, emphasizing "active controversy," reflects a cynical, realist, and sometimes critical view of the political process, seeing it as inherently contentious and a struggle for power or influence rather than a harmonious science or pursuit of ideal goals. Bierce's style often relied on humorous and dark sarcasm to critique social institutions and human behavior, and this definition aligns well with his outlook that politics is a never-ending conflict or debate.

The incorrect option is 1:

The statement attributed to S. Hillman, "Politics is the science of who gets what, when and why," is factually incorrect as a definitive match for Sidney Hillman. This famous definition of politics is universally associated with the prominent American political scientist Harold Lasswell, who first introduced this phrase in his seminal work, *Politics: Who Gets What, When, How* (1936). Lasswell's definition is foundational to the behavioralist approach in political science, focusing on empirical analysis of power and resource distribution. While Sidney Hillman was an influential labor leader who understood political dynamics, he is not the originator of this specific academic definition; therefore, this match is incorrect.

The incorrect option is 3:

The definition attributed to L. Lipson, "Politics is the conduct of public affairs for private advantage," is incorrect. While this phrase accurately describes political corruption or the opportunistic aspect of power (the antithesis of public service), it is not the standard or known definition offered by Leslie Lipson (1903-1991). Lipson, a respected political scientist, generally defined politics in terms of conflict and consensus, viewing it as the struggle to acquire and maintain public control while managing social diversity. The given cynical quote is a more general reflection on negative political practice rather than a definition provided by Lipson himself.

The incorrect option is 4:

The statement attributed to J. W. Garner, "Finality is the language of politics," is incorrectly matched. The renowned American political scientist James Wilford Garner (1871-1938) is primarily known for his traditional, state-centric definitions of political science, often focusing on the state's origin, nature, organization, and purposes. However, the famous phrase "Finality is the language of politics" is actually credited to Benjamin Disraeli, a 19th-century British Prime Minister and novelist. This maxim suggests that once a political action is taken, debate ends and action begins, or that political settlements aim for permanence, contrasting with Garner's formal, analytical focus on the state.