Political science, like the other social sciences in Chile, is in debt with its history. While there have been some specific and descriptive reflections, an analytical reflection about its development as a discipline and profession is necessary. Despite the relative youth of political science in Chile, such a task can help us
make sense its role and nature. Using an internalist approach and interviews with Chilean political scientists, the article examines perceptions and images about issues related to political science as a vocation, how the study of politics has been conceptualized historically, its references, its function and social relevance,
its strengths and possibilities. The result is an account which may serve as a first step towards the creation of an increased sensibility for the past and the future of the discipline in Chile.