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 objectivity and testability. Positive statements are objective, fact-based, and can be proven true or false, while normative statements are subjective, opinion-based, and cannot be proven true or false. Positive statements describe what is, was, or will be, whereas normative statements describe what ought to be, should be, or must be.

Step by step solution

1. Define Positive Statements

Positive statements are objective statements based on facts, data, or quantifiable evidence. They describe what is, was, or will be, without including any personal opinions, beliefs, or values. Typically, positive statements can be tested or proven true or false.

2. Define Normative Statements

Normative statements are subjective statements based on personal opinions, beliefs, or values. They describe what ought to be, should be, or must be, and usually involve judgments or prescriptions. Unlike positive statements, normative statements cannot be proven true or false, as they are dependent on individual perspectives.

3. Provide Examples of Positive Statements

Here are a few examples of positive statements: 1. The unemployment rate is 5%. 2. The price of a product increased by 10% last year. 3. The average temperature in a city is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Provide Examples of Normative Statements

Here are a few examples of normative statements: 1. The government should reduce the unemployment rate to 3%. 2. The price of a product ought to be affordable for low-income families. 3. The city must work on reducing its carbon footprint to combat climate change.

5. Explain Key Differences Between Positive and Normative Statements

The key differences between positive and normative statements can be summarized as follows: a. Objective vs. Subjective: Positive statements are objective and based on facts, while normative statements are subjective and based on personal opinions or beliefs. b. Testability: Positive statements can be tested or proven true or false, while normative statements cannot be proven true or false, as they are dependent on individual perspectives. c. Descriptive vs. Prescriptive: Positive statements describe what is, was, or will be, while normative statements describe what ought to be, should be, or must be.