Mathematics in Political Science

In the first place, it is just impossible to imagine Mathematics in the field of

Political Science. The former is really incompatible with the latter. Moreover, the two
subject matters are in conflicting terms. This is evident in some Political Science
students. They are famous as being poor in numbers and calculations and most of them
if possible avoid courses in Mathematics or related to it. But is this argument just a mere
misconception of students; and Math and its branches actually somehow work side by
side with the study of the state, Political Science? And does science encroach in both?

First let us define what Mathematics and Political Science is after we finally judge their
relationships:

Mathematics reveals hidden patterns that help us understand the world around
us. Now much more than arithmetic and geometry, mathematics today is a diverse
discipline that deals with data, measurements, and observations from science; with
inference, deduction, and proof; and with mathematical models of natural phenomena,
of human behavior, and of social systems.

As a practical matter, Math is a science of pattern and order. Its domain is not
molecules or cells, but numbers, chance, form, algorithms, and change. As a science of
abstract objects, Math relies on logic rather than on observation as its standard of truth,
yet employs observation, simulation, and even experimentation as means of discovering
truth.

Its special role in education is a consequence of its universal applicability. The

results of mathematics-theorems and theories-are both significant and useful; the best
results are also elegant and deep. Through its theorems, Math offers science both a
foundation of truth and a standard of certainty.

In addition to theorems and theories, the science of pattern and order offers
distinctive modes of thought which are both versatile and powerful, including modelling,
abstraction, optimization, logical analysis, inference from data, and use of symbols.
Experience with mathematical modes of thought builds mathematical power-a capacity
of mind of increasing value in this technological age that enables one to read critically,
to identify fallacies, to detect bias, to assess risk, and to suggest alternatives.
Mathematics empowers us to understand better the information-laden world in which we
live.

During the first half of the twentieth century, mathematical growth was stimulated
primarily by the power of abstraction and deduction, climaxing more than two centuries
of effort to extract full benefit from the mathematical principles of physical science
formulated by Isaac Newton. Now, as the new century begins, the historic alliances of
mathematics with science are expanding rapidly; the highly developed legacy of
classical mathematical theory is being put to broad and often stunning use in a vast
mathematical landscape.

On the other hand, Political Science really is hard to have a definite description. It
is not only about politics as a science or science in politics. But the question is- Can
politics be a science in the first place? Or does science exist in Political Science?

Nevertheless, there are still suggested definitions as to what Political Science is:

In a nutshell, Political Science is the academic study of politics and government.

In one sense, it is an ancient discipline. It remains central to any classical study of the
liberal arts, firmly grounded as it is in the work of Plato and Aristotle. In another sense,
because it often deals with current events and sophisticated statistical analysis, Political
Science is a cutting-edge area of study. Whether you are analyzing voting patterns in a
presidential campaign, the Israeli parliament, or the pros and cons of different systems
of government, Political Science is timely, fascinating, and perpetually changing.

Like any liberal arts major, Political Science makes no claims to be a pre-
professional program. It certainly doesn't exist to teach disconnected facts about
politics. Instead, Political Science majors develop excellent critical thinking and
communication skills and, more broadly, an understanding of history and culture. Even
more broadly, Political Science tackles those Big, Serious, Heavy and Eternal
Questions. What is the best way to reconcile individual desires and community needs?
Is it possible to have both freedom and equality? Authority and justice? Etc.

If you major in Political Science, you'll study everything from revolutions to

political parties to voting behavior to public policy. You are also likely to explore the
political issues inherent to different regions of the world, like the Middle East, East Asia,
Latin America and Eastern Europe.

Politics affects everyone. It is through politics that the future of the world we
inhabit is shaped. Aristotle called politics the master science because he recognized
how wide and pervasive politics is. The interests of political scientists are diverse. They
may include conflict at city hall or in the courtroom; the arguments and processes
through which our national existence might be preserved; the collapse of Communism
and the struggle to establish new political arrangements in its place; the role of pressure
groups in shaping public policy; electoral reform; the control of civil servants; the rule of
law among nations; the place of moral principle and national interest in the conduct of
foreign policy; or how far any citizen might have the right or duty to disobey an unjust
law.

Political Science offers us the opportunity to become freer human beings and
citizens because, whatever the subject of our immediate inquiry, the focus is always
upon the ideas, institutions and processes that shape our lives.

It can be more or less scientific. Furthermore, it is an art that deals with all affairs
of the state. Even before we born and until death, this discipline is just around the
corner.

Closely, you can perceive the comparison between Mathematics and Political
Science. They have mutual rapport and inter-connected with one another. Furthermore,
this implication is manifested in careers of Political Science graduates.
 Political scientists use Mathematics and statistics to predict the behavior of a
group of people. They must keep track of the social, political, and monetary
consequences of a community’s opinions and actions. Political scientists study the
population using many different applications of Math, including computer science,
database management, statistics, and economics.

Some conventional political science duties include identifying and analyzing

political issues, developing and testing theories, forecasting political, economic, and
social trends, and collecting and analyzing data from public opinion polls.

The diversity of Mathematics and Political Science led to their convergence and
one cannot be overlook from the other. In one way or another, the two learning is
essential to make either discipline more comprehensive and/or reach its full potential.