Final answer:
Normative theory explores ethical and political concepts using reason and logic, focusing on the systematized standards for guiding moral behavior and political goals without relying solely on empirical evidence. It considers the consequences, duties, and virtues that underpin moral and political theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normative theory involves a philosophical inquiry into the foundations of ethics and political philosophy, answering foundational questions about the nature, purposes, and goals of politics and moral conduct. It is distinct from empirical political science, which studies norms and values through observation and data collection. Instead, normative theory uses reason and logic to explore concepts such as what makes a good citizen or the purposes governments should serve. Normative ethical theories are systematized frameworks that seek to provide standards for guiding moral behavior and are categorized into three main approaches: consequentialist, deontological, and virtue ethics, each defined by their criteria for evaluating moral conduct—consequences, duty, or character, respectively.
When assessing the purpose of government, normative political science may focus on benefits to citizens, protection of rights, or the fostering of virtuous citizens. Similarly, normative ethics seeks to establish norms and standards of right conduct to effectively guide our behavior, taking into account the different schools of thought that emphasize consequences, duty, or virtue.