A Journey Through Political Science and Philosophy
I have always been fascinated by my educational journey, which has instilled in me a deep curiosity about the foundations of my disciplines—political science, public administration, and public policy. These fields have allowed me to make sense of my contemporary realities. Readers are likely familiar with my narrative of an educational path that was meant to lead me into philosophy but instead took me through political science due to a different course set by Providence. This raises an important question: does it make pedagogical sense to distinguish philosophy from political science?
When I began my undergraduate studies in political science, I did not abandon my love for philosophy. The University of Ibadan’s curriculum allowed me to take elective courses from the Department of Philosophy. However, this system did not offer me the depth needed to fully benefit from what philosophy entails.
My first encounter with Plato’s Republic left a lasting impression on me, fueling my imagination for institutional reform, particularly in transforming Nigeria’s institutional framework to improve democratic governance. My inquiry here serves two purposes. First, I aim to challenge the relevance of political science against the backdrop of neoliberal capitalist worldviews that prioritize STEM as the primary development-enabling education. Second, I seek to mentor younger generations of political scientists and students, sharing the professional capital I have accumulated.
This reflection was sparked by an academic curiosity: why is Aristotle considered the first political scientist? For me, this goes beyond academic musings—it reflects a deeper professional contemplation. If I had studied philosophy instead of political science, how would my learning curve and career trajectory differ? This question circles back to my admiration for Plato’s philosophical imagination, which provided a foundation for my aspirations as an institutional reformer.
Aristotle: The Father of Political Science
Plato’s Republic is rooted in idealism and utopian aspirations for Athens. It is a speculative exercise aimed at creating a more just society. In contrast, Aristotle shifted the focus from idealism to empirical analysis. His research on the constitutions of 158 city-states demonstrated a fascination with real-world dynamics and the significance of comparative analyses.
For Aristotle, politics is the “master science.” It defines the stability, harmony, and flourishing of any society. It determines who gets what, when, and how. Political structures shape the values and philosophies a society operates on. Aristotle believed that humans are naturally political animals, wired to live within political communities. Political science, therefore, involves systematically interrogating these communities to understand how governance frameworks achieve the “good life.”
Aristotle laid the disciplinary boundaries of political science by focusing on empirical observations. However, it was Niccolò Machiavelli who further hardened these boundaries. Unlike Plato and Aristotle, Machiavelli rejected the idea that politics must adhere to morality. He argued that studying how people live politically and how rulers maintain power is more useful than imagining ideal republics. In The Prince, he emphasized the importance of power management, suggesting that rulers should be feared rather than loved.
From the 19th century onward, political science adopted a realist methodology influenced by empiricism and positivism. It moved away from political philosophy and history, focusing instead on descriptive, scientific investigations of political matters such as government, policy, institutions, and citizenship.
Despite these shifts, I believe political science cannot escape the influence of Aristotle. His connection between philosophy (ethics) and politics remains significant. The relationship between the actuality of politics and its end continues to fascinate me, shaping my engagement with Nigerian political development.
Political Science in Nigeria: A Laboratory of Realpolitik
Nigeria is a political laboratory that would intrigue both Aristotle and Machiavelli. The search for national integration and development since 1960 has produced a wealth of materials on realpolitik. This informs my critical engagement with figures like Awolowo and his blueprint for Nigeria, as well as Billy Dudley’s critique of his ideas.
The national question in Nigeria requires addressing the plans of political leaders for managing governance in a plural society. I have explored the political strategies of figures like Olusegun Obasanjo and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, examining their balancing of Yoruba and national politics. These investigations have been crucial in shaping my quest for an institutional reform philosophy that supports the civil service as an optimal institution for Nigeria’s development.
As a political scientist, I am deeply concerned with the fate of the discipline in a postcolonial context. Higher education must find meaning and relevance, and no discipline can survive without defining its value to students and the state. This reflection calls for rigorous gatekeeping in political science scholarship.
The Future of Political Science in Nigeria
Political science must connect with new methodological approaches and research focuses. It should empower aspiring scholars to reform Nigeria while advancing their careers. The National Political Science Association faces a generational challenge: convening a summit to address the future of the discipline in Nigeria.
A key question is how to make political science more public-facing and accessible. It is the responsibility of political scientists to define the agenda for public discourse on Nigeria’s political challenges.
The political science of the future must be oriented towards reform, innovation, and engagement. It must provide clear pathways for aspiring scholars to contribute to Nigeria’s development.
