I try not to think about politics, especially at night. Politics is of course not science, but a type of activity that is not related to it. Even knowledge is not always necessary, only intacts and habits.
As citizens, academics and scientists, one cannot avoid dealing with politics in one's own country and in the world, because they are an essential factor for the prevailing living conditions. But that is a broad field.
It is in the political arena were we collectively decide right from wrong concerning the social concerns of the hour.
More often than not, what this means is we decide which leaders to follow, who we trust and who we are suspicious of. We know little of issues, and we put our faith in leaders who instill confidence.
The great problem of a herding species is one of finding competent authority.
The successful politician is the one who convinces us to worry about the things they worry about, and who assures us that they have just the right remedy for the catastrophe that is always about to befall us.
For the politician, we are always at a cross-roads in history, ready to stumble off a precipice and into the abyss. That is, unless we elect him to save us.
The best politicians convince us that it is not we who need to agree with him, but it is he who agrees with us. He is on our side. And we thank him for that with our votes.
The great liberal/conservative divide that makes itself known in every democracy reflects the dual moral nature of humanity.
Politicians generally rise up within one or the other of these general parameters trying to convince us to "turn right" or "turn left" at the present cross road we face.
History teaches us that (contrary to the advice of modern pundits) having these two sides argue, battle and debate is the best thing for us. It is through the tussle and bloodletting of these moral-political battles that we press forward and find a way through difficulties.
When we no longer have political fights, name calling, riots and protests in the streets, we will no longer have a democracy.
When we think of this question, are we more apt to approach it by answering what politics is or as what it should be? Would our answers be different if we consider this question normatively vs. empirically?
It is a science that analyses how a community operates the needs in that community and gaps in services. It is seen as a module in social science where each parties political views are studied and analysed so that best outcomes for citizens are achieved. It is also a science in its on right coupled with law that allows those thinking of political careers to embrace the different values of right and left wing politics in order to develop their own style of thinking and one would hope that decisions are made for the greater good and not personal gain. However when we examine our political leaders and politicians I am afraid the latter is the case