Chapter 2: Problem 16

What is the difference between a positive and a normative statement?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The difference between a positive and a normative statement lies in their basis and testability. A positive statement is a factual claim based on objective information, which can be tested or proven with evidence, and describes what is happening. In contrast, a normative statement involves a value judgment, expresses what should or ought to happen, is based on subjective opinions, and cannot be proven or disproven with evidence.

Step by step solution

Define a Positive Statement

A positive statement is a factual claim that can be tested or proven with evidence. It is based on objective information and describes what is actually happening, without making any value judgments or recommendations. For example, a positive statement could be: "The unemployment rate in the United States is currently 6%."

Define a Normative Statement

A normative statement is a claim that involves a value judgment, and it expresses what someone believes should or ought to happen, rather than just describing what is happening. These statements cannot be proven or disproven with evidence, as they are subjective opinions. For example, a normative statement could be: "The unemployment rate in the United States should be below 5%."

Explain the Differences

The main difference between a positive and a normative statement is that a positive statement is based on facts and can be tested or proven with evidence, while a normative statement is based on values and opinions and can't be proven or disproven with evidence. Additionally, positive statements describe what is happening, while normative statements describe what should or ought to happen.

Provide Examples

Here are some examples to further illustrate the differences between positive and normative statements: Positive Statement: "The price of a gallon of gasoline is $3.00." Normative Statement: "The price of a gallon of gasoline should be lower to encourage economic growth." Positive Statement: "The Earth's average temperature has risen by 1 degree Celsius over the past century." Normative Statement: "Governments should implement policies to mitigate climate change and reduce the Earth's average temperature." Remember, positive statements are based on facts and can be tested or proven with evidence, while normative statements are based on values and opinions and can't be proven or disproven with evidence.

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