Political Science is the oldest discipline and is often reputed as a “master science” by the Aristotle. It is vibrant, dynamic and constantly evolving. There have been many analytical perspectives or methods of development of political theory.
Earliest analytical perspectives were dominated by traditional approaches, especially philosophical approach ( the ethical and normative study of politics). Within this approach, various perspectives sprouted, such as idealism, liberalism, Marxism, feminism etc. Other older approaches can be historical approach and empirical approach.
In medieval times, political studies were part of religious studies or scholastics. Hermeneutics or the interpretation of religious texts also took hold. During times of Machiavelli, the autonomous character of politics was recognised. We see the beginning of realist perspectives. After some time, positivism emerged (which pursued knowledge through sensory experience and logic) and grew into post-positivism.
Under behavioural movement, an attempt was made to develop ‘pure science’ or the scientific perspective (esp. under Cambridge School), which was later on modified to post- behaviouralism or trans-empiricism. Other perspectives are communitarianism i.e., the connection between the individual and the community — as well as the constructivism i.e., constructing knowledge out of experiences.
In modern times, political theory developed through post-modernism, multiculturalism i.e., coexistence of different cultures etc., neo-institutionalism i.e., sociological view of institutions, Critical School i.e., reflective assessment and critique of society and culture etc. Some contemporary perspectives include phenomenology, discourse analysis, deconstruction, post-colonialism, Gramscian perspective, ecologism et al.
In conclusion, it can be seen that various analytical perspectives have consistently been growing and absorbing into political theory-building, making it versatile, comprehensive and development- oriented.