John Edriel L.

Tibon
QUESTION #1

In order to understand the question, we must define first, what is the Empirical
and Normative political theories and their differences.

Empirical political theory is focused on explaining 'what is' through

observation. In this approach, scholars seek to generate a hypothesis, which is a
proposed explanation for some phenomena that can be tested empirically. After
formulating a hypothesis, a study will be designed to test the hypothesis.

The empirical method is generally taken to mean the approach of using a

collection of data to base a theory or derive a conclusion in science. It is part of
the scientific method, but is often mistakenly assumed to be synonymous with
the experimental method, where data are derived from the systematic
manipulation of variables in an experiment.

While empirical political theory is concerned with 'what is,' normative

political theory is concerned with 'what ought to be.' In other words, normative
political theory is concerned about how the world should be and focuses on the
exploration of values and what should be done based upon those values.

Normative (or "subjective") political science is that which involves the use
of value judgments to access the performance of political systems or public
policies. Normative propositions cannot be tested, confirmed, or refuted. For
example, the proposition "the voter participation rate is too low" is a value
judgment and not something that can be verified by checking electoral data.
Political theory is a body of thought that seeks to evaluate, explain, and predict
political phenomena. When the issues it deals with are normative, questions like
what is the "best" or most "just" system or policy, it is normative theory.

Normative political theory and empirical political studies do not need to be

put in two separate boxes and treated as competing approaches. Normative
theory can guide empirical research while empirical research can have positive
impact on normative theory.

You may start in the question on “how should the state operate”, using
normative study you can create a theory how the state must operate, it can be
proven by the help of empirical research, like an experiment. You may thought,
what is best for the state to do, you may observe the surroundings, territories,
people and etc. in short, it’s help you answer a problem. The two theories may
give you answers, what is the best to do (normative) in what you observe
(empirical).
QUESTION4 #

Conflict theory is a theory propounded by Karl Marx that claims society is in a state of
perpetual conflict due to competition for limited resources.

In Theory, State was produced by the completion of class or groups, as

example, the two social classes, the Proletariat and the Bourgeoisie, where the
dominant was the Bourgeoisie and the working class was the proletariat. The
Revolution and Change occurs as a result of conflict between social class'
competing interests rather than through adaptation. It is often abrupt and
revolutionary rather than evolutionary. Resulted as the Conflict theory of class is
the formation of the state..

Pluralist theory
based on our readings, it was the referee between the competing interest
of classes or groups.

Let’s compare it to our modern state, to make the answers so short

There is always a conflict in groups or classes till now in our time, or in a

state or what institution, there’s always an individual or groups which wants a
power to stay in power that may affect the other groups, (like bourgeoisie and the
proletariat) for example the corruption of an individual’s, corruption that results a
public poverty .

But there’s always a law or a bill that implemented in a government, state

or different institution that serve as a referee or likely a barrier between the
groups or individuals to serve equality each other.