Political analysis involves both normative and empirical approaches. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the two approaches? 1. Knowledge acquired through the empirical approach is value-loaded. 2. Knowledge acquired through the normative approach is objectively neutral. Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.Both 1 and 2
- D.Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is D, Neither 1 nor 2. Both statements reverse the two approaches: empirical knowledge aims to be value-free, while normative knowledge is value-loaded.
The empirical approach studies politics as it is. It observes facts, collects data on voting, parties or institutions, and tests claims against evidence, so it tries to keep personal values out and to be objective. This idea grew with the behavioural movement in political science in the 1950s. The normative approach asks what politics ought to be: what is a just state, what liberty or equality should mean. Its conclusions rest on values and moral judgements, as in the works of Plato or John Rawls, so they are value-laden, not neutral.
A is wrong: statement 1 is false, since empirical knowledge aims to be value-neutral.
B is wrong: statement 2 is false, since normative knowledge is built on values.
C is wrong: both statements are false, so both cannot be correct.
Exam tip: empirical = what is (facts, value-free); normative = what ought to be (values, prescriptive).
Practice Questions
View allWhich law prescribes that all proceedings in the Supreme Court shall be in English language ?
- A.Article 145 of the Constitution of India
- B.Article 348 of the Constitution of India
- C.The Supreme Court Rules, 1966
- D.An Act passed by the Parliament
Show answer
Article 348(1)(a) says that, until Parliament by law provides otherwise, all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in the English language.
Read the full explanation →Which among the following writs is issued to quash the order of a Court or Tribunal?
- A.Mandamus
- B.Prohibition
- C.Quo Warranto
- D.Certiorari
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Certiorari, meaning 'to be certified' or 'to be informed', is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to transfer a case or to quash an order it has already passed.
Read the full explanation →Article 371 A of the Constitution of India provides special privileges to
- A.Nagaland
- B.Mizoram
- C.Sikkim
- D.Manipur
Show answer
Article 371A gives Nagaland special protection for Naga religious and social practices, customary law and the ownership of land and its resources.
Read the full explanation →Which one of the following statements related to below mentioned Committees of the Parliament is correct?
- A.The Rajya Sabha elects more members than the Lok Sabha to the Committee on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
- B.The Chairperson of the Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha
- C.Members nominated by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha are more in number than Members nominated by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on the Committee on Empowerment of Women
- D.The Rajya Sabha elects more members than the Lok Sabha to the Public Accounts Committee
Show answer
The Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes is a joint committee whose Chairperson is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha from among its members.
Read the full explanation →Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- A.The Supreme Court of India is a Court of Record.
- B.High Courts in India are Courts of Record.
- C.Subordinate Courts in India are Courts of Record.
- D.All Courts in India are not Courts of Record.
Show answer
Only the Supreme Court and the High Courts are courts of record under the Constitution; subordinate courts are not. Article 129 declares the Supreme Court a court of record, and Article 215 does the same for every High Court.
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