Positive and Normative Science:
Positive and normative science are two different approaches used in the field of economics to study and analyze various phenomena. While positive science focuses on describing and explaining how things are, normative science deals with how things ought to be. Let's delve deeper into the definitions and differences between these two approaches.




Positive Science:
Positive science is an objective approach that seeks to provide explanations and descriptions based on observable facts and evidence. It aims to understand and analyze economic phenomena as they exist in reality, without making any value judgments or moral evaluations. Positive science relies on data, empirical evidence, and mathematical models to formulate theories and make predictions about economic behavior.




Normative Science:
Normative science, on the other hand, is a subjective approach that involves making value judgments and moral evaluations. It focuses on how things should be or ought to be, based on ethical, moral, and political considerations. Normative science involves subjective opinions, personal beliefs, and societal values, which can vary among individuals or groups.




Differences:
The key differences between positive and normative science can be summarized as follows:

- Objective vs. Subjective: Positive science is objective, relying on empirical evidence and factual analysis, while normative science is subjective, involving personal opinions and value judgments.

- Description vs. Prescription: Positive science describes and explains economic phenomena as they are, while normative science prescribes how things should be based on moral or ethical principles.

- Fact vs. Opinion: Positive science deals with facts and observable data, while normative science deals with opinions and subjective beliefs.

- Agreement vs. Disagreement: Positive science seeks to achieve consensus among economists by relying on empirical evidence, while normative science is more prone to disagreements due to the subjective nature of value judgments.

- Objective Analysis vs. Moral Evaluation: Positive science focuses on objective analysis and understanding, while normative science involves moral evaluation and subjective interpretations.




In conclusion, positive science and normative science are two distinct approaches used in economics. Positive science focuses on providing objective descriptions and explanations based on observable facts, while normative science involves subjective opinions and moral evaluations to determine how things should be. Understanding the differences between these two approaches is crucial for conducting rigorous and well-rounded economic analysis.