The theory that represents my personal beliefs best is the normative theory, which claims on “ought to be.” The theory gives answers to what we should do, what we ought to do, and engages questions on whether certain values are desirable or undesirable. A general view is that, when an action is executed in contrast to a distinct set of model within specified borders, it is normative. The normative theories are classified based on the perspective taken. The normative theory can be agent centered or agent neutral (The Monist, 1993). The theory that gives everyone the same recommendation is agent neutral. In agent neutral theories, ‘our’ prosperity is better than the success of one person. On the other hand, the agent centered theories gives advice that conflict is a tool for achieving the theory-given goals (The Monist, 1993). This normative theory gives a blueprint on what to emulate from in the socio-economic world and in the governance of a state. Though various circumstances may hinder perfect compliance to such ideology, it goes a long way in maintaining a sane relationship among all levels of inter-relations. When carrying out activities in normative perspective, there is a tendency to create a perfect world or a state of utopia, the theory is complimented by utilitarianism and liberalism to form an ideal democratic society.
Liberalism is the ideology that also best represents my beliefs because it is founded on the concept of equality. Liberals take up a huge collection of views depending on the understanding of the principles. Ideas like free and fair elections, freedom of faith, civil rights, freedom of speech, and the freedom to private possessions have liberal support. The liberalist ideology is accredited to a 17th century philosopher John Locke (libertarianism, n.d.). Locke stated that every human has a natural right of independence and property ownership and that the government must not defy these rights (libertarianism, n.d.).
In a neutral state of affairs, humans have the natural tendency to give in to survival instincts and self-preservation. In order to avoid such a chaotic existence, a common and supreme power needs to be formed to overrule the selfish human desires. A framework of a civil society is the ideal manner of power formation. The framework allows for voluntary individual social contact with the sovereign authority, transferring their natural rights to that authority in exchange for protection of life, liberty, and property (Benson, n.d). The government incorporates utilitarianism for the good of the majority; this calls for redistribution of resources equitably according to the needs and priorities of the state in order to have a uniform growth and development. This is achieved through tax payment to the government and investments in various social and economics projects. The government also eliminates religious distinctions that tend to separate the masses of different believes. Among the biggest accomplishments of incorporating liberalism is it replaced impulsive nature of absolutist rule with an administrative process encoded in written law. The government’s power is equally distributed to its three branches of authority the judicial, executive, and legislative branches. This makes it easier to govern the people since liberalism gives such power to the people. The statute of law has a normative effect on the socio-economic relationship on the state as it sets an ideal rule of how things ought to be done. Unlike the normative theory, the empirical theory refers to the “what is.” The empirical theory has a hypothesis that can be tested and confirmed; the theory is majorly factual (Gerring & Yesnowitz, 2006). The statements satisfy sensory observations and science proves beyond doubt what the actual situation is. On the other hand, value statements (normative) are not fully testable.
Ideologies have been many a times been grouped to liberals ‘the right’ or conservatives ‘the left’. The left theories are those of which promote liberty to everyone, equality, and has a unifying effect. The right theories are those that preserve order via a set of authority, practice of hierarchy, and focus on property ownership. Examples of ‘right’ theories include monarchy, dictatorship, autocracy, and fascism. With the latter being an extreme right-wing ideology. Fascism is a system where a dictatorial leader has absolute power. Any opposition to the rule is met with brutal implications according to the wishes of the ruler. There is oppression of criticism and all commercial and industrial activities are subject to the leader emphasizing on the primacy of the state. Leaders such as Adolf Hitler took over the state and personified irrefutable power in German (Boyanowsk, n.d). The fascist countries emphasize prejudice and a have doubts about foreigners. Fascism is a practice of tyranny; it is the opposite of Liberalism.
With the current high literacy level, the awareness of one’s natural rights has grown and people have developed liberal minds that question anything that suppresses them. One feels is entitled to total independence. This independence encourages productivity in a country because one is motivated to grow in wealth and power, leading to creative innovations and discoveries, which are some of the reasons why the normative theory and liberalism are ideal for the U.S.
References
Benson, E. T. (n.d). The Proper Role of Government. Proper Role of Government. Retrieved from: <http://www.properroleofgovernment.com/>
Boyanowsk, B. (n.d). Facism. King’s College. Retrieved from: <http://departments.kings.edu/history/20c/fascism.html >
Gerring, J. & Yesnowitz, J. (2006). A Normative Turn in Political Science? Northeastern Political Science Association, 38, 1, 101-133.
libertarianism.(n.d.). John Locke. The Cato Institute. Retrieved from: <http://www.libertarianism.org/people/john-locke>
The Monist. (1993). Structures of Normative Theories. Brown University, 22-40.
