PSC 101 Why Learn about history in a Political Science Class

Summary

In this video, Dr. Michael Hart discusses the crucial role of history in political science. He emphasizes that political science relies on historical evidence to identify patterns, form hypotheses, and make generalizations. He explores various perspectives on history, from Thomas Jefferson's view of leaving history behind to Henry Ford's rejection of tradition. The video also touches on psychological and social aspects, as well as Abraham Lincoln’s complex relationship with history. Ultimately, Dr. Hart concludes that understanding history is essential for politics, but innovation and new perspectives should also shape the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 History provides the foundation for political science by offering evidence, patterns, and data necessary for understanding political behavior.
• 😀 Without history, political science would only be limited to current events, which are journalism, not science.
• 😀 Studying history allows political scientists to form generalizations and hypotheses that can be tested, leading to a more informed understanding of political processes.
• 😀 Thomas Jefferson believed that moving beyond history could lead to a better future, expressing a desire to focus on progress rather than past events.
• 😀 Henry Ford took an even harsher stance, suggesting that history, especially tradition, is a burden, and that progress should be driven by current actions and innovations.
• 😀 Gustave Flaubert argued that ignorance of history causes people to complain about the present, showing the psychological impact of understanding the past.
• 😀 Lawrence Peter's view was that history repeats itself because societies fail to learn from past mistakes, emphasizing the importance of learning from history to avoid repetition.
• 😀 Abraham Lincoln rejected outdated historical dogmas but acknowledged that the actions of the present would be judged by future generations, highlighting the inevitability of history's judgment.
• 😀 Political science relies on history as evidence, but policymakers should also be open-minded and recognize when new perspectives and innovations should take precedence over past lessons.
• 😀 The key takeaway is that history is crucial for understanding politics, but it should not prevent forward-thinking; a balance between history and innovation is necessary for future progress.

Q & A

Why is history considered important in political science?

History is crucial in political science because it provides the evidence and data necessary to discern patterns, form generalizations, and test hypotheses. Without history, political science would lack the context needed to understand political events beyond the present moment.

What does Thomas Jefferson's view on history suggest?

Thomas Jefferson's view, stating that he prefers the dreams of the future over the history of the past, suggests that one should move beyond history to focus on creating a better future. This perspective sees history as a burden that can hold individuals or nations back.

How does Henry Ford's perspective on history differ from Thomas Jefferson's?

Henry Ford takes a more extreme stance than Jefferson by suggesting that history, in its entirety, is a burden. Ford believes that tradition should be discarded in favor of focusing on present-day issues, such as improving production, to create a better life.

What is Gustave Flaubert's psychological perspective on history?

Gustave Flaubert suggests that ignorance of history causes people to complain about the present. His view highlights how understanding the past can provide better context and insights for dealing with contemporary issues.

What does Lawrence Peter mean by 'history repeats itself because nobody listens'?

Lawrence Peter's statement implies that societies and individuals tend to make the same mistakes over and over because they fail to learn from past experiences. This quote highlights the importance of learning from history to avoid repeating errors.

How does Abraham Lincoln view history in his December 1862 address?

Abraham Lincoln initially rejects the dogmas of the past, asserting that the present challenges require new thinking. However, he acknowledges that history cannot be escaped, as the actions of the present will be judged by future generations.

What is the key lesson about history that the speaker emphasizes for politicians and policymakers?

The key lesson is that while understanding history is important for politicians and policymakers, they must also remain open-minded and be willing to set aside past lessons when new perspectives, technological advancements, or economic innovations are necessary to move forward.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of history in understanding politics?

The speaker emphasizes history as essential for understanding politics because it helps establish a framework for interpreting current events. Without historical context, one cannot fully grasp the significance of political actions, patterns, or trends.

What role does history play in forming hypotheses in political science?

History serves as a critical foundation for forming hypotheses in political science. By analyzing past events, scholars and policymakers can identify patterns and make educated predictions or test hypotheses about current and future political developments.

How does the script present the tension between learning from history and moving beyond it?

The script presents the tension between learning from history and moving beyond it through the views of different thinkers like Jefferson, Ford, Flaubert, Peter, and Lincoln. While history provides valuable lessons, the script suggests that sometimes new approaches and forward-thinking are needed to address modern challenges.