Question

importance of normative approach

Answer 1

Normative approach in political science is understood in the realm of understanding political theory. This approach seeks to provide a framework that acts as a vantage point to define ‘what ought to be’ as opposed to the empirical approach which focuses on ‘what is’. Normative approach is deployed in defining the concepts of justice,liberty, equality, rights, democracy, peace, and the like. It is plagued by the limitation of cherishing impractical application tendencies and also an ethnocentric connotation that disregards approaches by various societies towards the basic tenets of political theory.

Answer 2

It is now evident that in normative approach there is lot of importance of norms, values, ideals, ideas. It further believes that they have got relevance in the study of politics. It is a fact that all these cannot be translated into reality. But on this ground the norms, values, etc. cannot be thrown into the wind. They have importance and a large number of political scientists and statesmen still believe that the norms have immense importance.The normative approach criticises the functions, principles and policies of the existing states as did Plato in his The Republic. Even today the same approach is followed. The criticism by the supporters of the normative approach has not always succeeded in changing the prevailing course of action of the state or the un-normative principles of the authority.But it has been able to aware the public about the state of activities of political organisation. Thisapproach suggests that what is going on should be changed for the better. It is still believed that the normative approach can be helpful for the day to day activities of state.It is alleged that normative approach to the study of politics is a smack of norms, ideals, values and principles which have not full relevance to the reality of social and political situation. But this criticism is not tenable. As every individual should decide certain principles which he wants,to follow, a state should also decide or set up certain ideals, norms and principles which it shouldapply while deciding policies and taking decisions.All these are declared in various forms such as constitution, laws and general policy decisions. After deciding the principles or general objectives the state proceeds to implement them.