Assessing Intentions

The video discusses the nature of political science, arguing it is more of an interpretive art than a strict science. It highlights the differences between natural and social sciences, emphasizing the role of intentionality in human actions. The explanation of human actions involves understanding beliefs and desires, making political science inherently interpretive.

What is the main argument against treating political science as a strict science?

• It is based on invariant laws like natural sciences.

• It follows strict natural laws.

• It involves interpreting narratives in unique circumstances.

• It lacks rigorous intellectual exercise.

How does the speaker define science in the context of the 18th and 19th centuries?

• As a rigorous intellectual enterprise.

• As a collection of invariant laws.

• As a study of natural laws.

• As a study of human behavior.

Why does the speaker believe that explanations in social sciences differ from those in natural sciences?

• Because human actors have intentionality.

• Because social sciences lack intentionality.

• Because natural sciences are less rigorous.

• Because social sciences follow natural laws.

What is the role of beliefs and desires in explaining human actions according to the speaker?

• They are less important than natural laws.

• They are only subconscious influences.

• They are the causes of human actions.

• They are irrelevant to human actions.

How does the speaker describe the process of ascribing reasons to human actions?

• As an interpretive act.

• As a natural phenomenon.

• As a scientific method.

• As a search for invariant laws.