The meaning of political philosophy and its meaningful character are as evident today as they have been since the time when political philosophy first made its appearance in Athens. Since political philosophy is a branch of philosophy, even the most provisional explanation of what political philosophy is cannot dispense with an explanation, however provisional, of what philosophy is. Political things are by their nature subject to approval and disapproval, to choice and rejection, to praise and blame. The cognitive status of political knowledge is not different from that of knowledge possessed by the shepherd, the husband, the general, or the cook. Political philosophy has been cultivated since its beginnings almost without any interruption until a relatively short time ago. The rejection of political philosophy as unscientific is characteristic of present-day positivism. Positivism is no longer what it desired to be when Auguste Comte originated it.