In favor of a dialogue between political science and Science Studies

Political science and Science Studies both use the words politics and science, yet each applies such different meanings as to nearly appear incommensurable. Here, I explain to political scientists the various uses of these words by Science Studies practitioners and how they could relate to those used by political science. The paper shows that only one of these meanings of the word science (out of four possible meanings) distinguishes it in a radical way from politics (which may take on six different meanings). Once those meanings have been defined, I propose that a more fruitful collaboration between Science Studies and political science could be developed based on the method of following issues, rather than delimiting distinct domains for science and politics.

Automated summary

Political science and Science Studies have different interpretations of the words politics and science. This paper explains the usage of these words by Science Studies practitioners and how they can relate to political science. It identifies four possible meanings of the word science, one of which distinguishes it from politics, while politics can have six different meanings. The paper proposes a more fruitful collaboration based on following issues rather than defining separate domains for science and politics.