Question

David Easton’s premises for Behaviouralism emphasize:

I. Verification, requiring knowledge acceptance only if it can be empirically tested.

II. Systematisation, viewing research and theory-building as mutually exclusive endeavors.

III. Values, demanding that empirical explanation must inherently carry ethical judgments.

Which of the following is correct?

• A. I only
• B. II and III only
• C. I and II only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

A. I only

David Easton and Behaviouralism

David Easton, a prominent political scientist, is renowned for his work on the behavioural approach in political science. He outlined several key tenets of behaviouralism, which significantly influenced the study of politics.

Core Premises of Behaviouralism according to Easton:

• I. Verification: This is a foundational principle. Behaviouralism insists that knowledge claims in political science must be verifiable through empirical observation and testing. If a statement cannot be tested against observable reality, it is not considered scientifically valid.
• II. Systematisation: Contrary to the assertion in point II of the question, behaviouralism views research and theory-building as interdependent and mutually reinforcing, not mutually exclusive. The goal is to develop systematic theories based on empirical data.
• III. Values: Behaviouralism advocates for a strict separation between facts and values. While ethical considerations are important in society, the scientific study of politics (behaviouralism) aims to describe and explain political phenomena as they are (facts), rather than prescribing how they ought to be (values). Ethical judgments are seen as subjective and outside the scope of empirical verification.
• Other Key Principles (as outlined by Easton):
  1. Regularities: Political phenomena exhibit regularities or patterns that can be studied and understood.
  2. Substantive Gist: The focus should be on the substance of political life, not just abstract concepts.
  3. Quantification: Where possible, data should be quantified to allow for precise analysis.
  4. Ethical Neutrality: Researchers should strive for objectivity and avoid personal biases.
  5. Wholeness: The study should be integrated, connecting various aspects of political life.
  6. Pure Science: The primary goal is to develop a science of politics, distinct from policy recommendations.

Therefore, only the principle of Verification, as stated in point I, is a correct premise of behaviouralism emphasized by David Easton.