Final answer:
The necessity of an analysis as obligatory, permissible, or optional depends on the context and field, such as ethics, economics, or physics. In ethics, moral obligations guide necessity; in economics, positive analysis is used for planning; and in physics, analysis is vital for understanding phenomena. The choice depends on the epistemological approach and the subject under examination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether an analysis should be obligatory, permissible, or optional is a question that touches on normative and positive aspects of philosophical inquiry. In examining this question, one must consider various factors and contexts. For instance, in the realm of ethics and moral philosophy, an analysis may be argued as obligatory when it concerns universal moral principles, such as the example where 97% of subjects felt it was obligatory to rescue a drowning baby. In contrast, analysis could be considered permissible in cases where moral dilemmas allow for personal judgment or subjective interpretation.
Moreover, in discussing practical fields like economics and physics, the necessity of analysis might differ. A positive analysis in economics, for example, examines the costs and benefits of a subway system and can be seen as obligatory for sound economic planning. In physics, choosing an analytical system is critical both in solving problems and gaining a deep understanding of physical phenomena. This stage of analysis is not only recommended but essential for credibility and efficacy of any proposed solution or understanding.
Ultimately, the choice between obligatory, permissible, or optional analysis can depend on the epistemological and methodological frameworks in place, as well as the matters under scrutiny. Formal analyses rely on the informed point of view (POV) of the analyst, and while depth of analysis is a function of knowledge and experience, it does not necessitate research. When performing a literary analysis, for instance, the steps taken by literary critics or scholars are not bound by strict rules, and thus their analyses can vary in terms of being obligatory or optional based on the intended scope and purpose of the critique.