The normative approach in political science centers on evaluating the ethical and moral aspects of political life, focusing on how political actions, policies, and institutions align with certain ideals or values. This approach is distinct from the empirical approach, which aims to observe and analyze political phenomena without engaging in moral judgment.
According to Harold Lasswell and Abraham Kaplan, political theory involves two key components: empirical propositions and value judgments. The empirical side deals with the facts—understanding how political systems work and the impact of various policies. In contrast, the normative side addresses what ought to be, tackling questions such as what constitutes a just society or the ideal form of government.
Normative political theory is inherently prescriptive, offering recommendations for achieving desirable political outcomes based on ethical principles. It draws from philosophical traditions like liberalism, which emphasizes individual rights; utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall happiness; and deontology, which stresses adherence to moral duties. These frameworks help normative theorists propose governance models that prioritize justice, rights, and ethics. Concepts like a "just society" or "ideal democracy" serve as benchmarks for evaluating the effectiveness and morality of real-world political systems.
Historically, thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle were engaged in normative political theory, seeking to identify the characteristics of a good polity and prescribing how society should be organized. Their work was primarily normative, aiming to establish the best ways to govern. In contrast, modern political science often leans toward empirical analysis, concentrating on describing and explaining political behavior and institutions without necessarily passing moral judgment on their quality.
Despite this shift, political science and political philosophy are not entirely distinct fields. Empirical analysis enhances our understanding of political processes and helps us identify effective methods to achieve specific goals. However, it is normative theory that defines what those goals should be. The interdependence of means (empirical analysis) and ends (normative theory) in political life highlights the complementary roles these approaches play. Together, they offer a more comprehensive understanding of politics, blending factual analysis with ethical evaluation to guide both the study and practice of political systems.
