Political Science, Clouds and Clocks: The State of the Discipline

Abstract

This paper is a brief reflection on the current scientific state of political science in the light of major recent contributions to the epistemological discussion. The author begins by noting the paradoxical situation of the discipline due to its solidity and professionalism, while it still exist an in-depth discussion of methodology. This occurs in the context of three characteristics that typify the nature of political science: the multiplicity of rival approaches, epistemological discussion and the subdivision of its fields. Finally, a brief summary of the history of the discipline is presented.