Quote by W. H. Auden
Politics cannot be a science, because in politics theory and practice cannot be separated, and the sciences depend upon their separation.
Summary
This quote suggests that politics cannot be considered a science because theory and practice are inherently interconnected in political affairs. Unlike the sciences where theories can be tested and refined independently of practical application, politics necessitates the intricacies of real-world implementation. The quote implies that the separation of theory and practice, which is fundamental to scientific disciplines, does not hold true for politics. Therefore, politics cannot follow the rigorous methodology and detachment typically associated with scientific investigation and categorization.
By W. H. Auden