CHAPTER III: THE PROSPECTS OF SCIENTIFIC POLITICS: The Relationship between Social Theory and Political Practice: 5. THE NATURE OF POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE.

This section analyzes the nature of political knowledge. The fact that political science in its spontaneous form does not fit into the existing framework of science, as we understand it, and that it is in contradiction with our present-day conception of science does not mean that politics is at fault. Rather it should be a stimulus to the revision of our conception of science as a whole. Even a passing glance at contemporary notions of science and its institutional organization will show that we have not been able to deal satisfactorily with theories where the science in question is closely concerned with practical problems. There is no more of a science of pedagogy than there is a scientific politics. Still, there would be nothing gained if, after having realized that we have not been able to resolve the most important problems in these branches of science, we were to dismiss what is peculiarly pedagogical and political as arts or intuitive skills. All that would be accomplished thereby would be an escape from problems which must be faced. Actual experience shows that in teaching as well as in politics it is precisely in the course of actual conduct that specific and relevant knowledge is attainable in increasing measure, and under certain conditions communicable.