The logic of a comparative science

Abstract

This article attempts to demonstrate, in a summary manner, the logical fabric of a science of comparative politics. The framework within which the various views regarding the nature of comparison is dealt with, includes the following aspects: the epistemological and metaphysical framework that underlies comparative analysis; the nature of logic; the context of discovery and the context of justification in science as well as the role of logic within these contexts. The various views regarding the nature of comparison include the following: the MSSD (” ‘most similar systems’ design"); the MDSD (” ‘most different systems’ design"); comparison as an inherent element of scientific method and scientific practice; comparison as a method of such divergent nature that it defies meaningful classificatoin; comparative methodology being roughly analogous to the behavioural approach; and, comparison and the claim for a special status thereof being unwarranted – the view that methodological discussion in comparative research should be regarded as debate over the strategic employment of scientific method.

Comparison is dealt with in terms of the general principles that prevail in contemporary philosophy of science. This article does not. therefore, purport to deal with the nature and role of comparison in philosophy which may of course display similar features, but which is in many ways essentially different.