Normative Political Theory and Its Thought

Thought, concept, philosophy and theory are fundamentally important to produce a better result of action and performance. So is the political for tackling the political problems in order to conduct the right decision-making for the benefit of the governed and led. Back to history, theories in relation to the political have been appeared centuries ago. However, of many theories, a normative political theory would be of my topic here. So, defining what normative means will help us accelerate a better understanding of what kind of theory. The meaning that makes sense to me is that it is “implying, creating or prescribing a norm or standard which clearly states a standardizing usage”. It is wise to say that the native of terminology is also related to its political concept and theory.

Normative political theory is concerned with the relations between individuals, groups and institutions in civil society and government and its concept is to respond to the existing political structures and problems in way of how the world should be—the better world in a better shape. In other way, the people society deserves a better standard and practice in which questions of what sort of structure or system would be necessary to be applied. Towards norms in response to this practical question, there are key functions within the paradigm of normative political theory which are—justice, rights, liberty and autonomy, equality and private property. These constitute, in fact, power exercising over individuals and groups, ethical obligations towards individuals and groups and government. Those are the concepts and values within the framework of this theory for the aim of offering solutions to political problems. 

To analyze those functions in brief, this theory is constructing on the principle of creating just society which is ultimately concerned with justice that includes principles by which social goods are distributed as essentially embedding this theory in laws, economic structures, social and political attitude and practices. This argument proposes the idea that it would not be possible, without justice system, to establish a fair society. And the rights, as is viewed, are a claim for individual to assert their rights against others and the state. Liberty, concerned of individual freedom from state, allows people enjoy their true self-rule and capability to make their own decisions for their lives. Equality in general view is all about equal rights for all because human beings are equally created and need to be equal. It is understood for the claim of private rights that any individuals should not be prohibited from having an access to goods and property and protection for those assets. These normative claims seem to be against the disproportional structure in political paradigm and solutions provided for that.

In conclusion, normative political theory is, of course, more subjective at some points. And it also shows that this is the way the politics ought to work in order to create just and fair society for all. On other hand, it is an escaped way from bad politics that do not benefit to citizens as a whole.