Formal models in normative political theory

Hun Chung and Brian Kogelmann
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Hun Chung: Department of Quantitative Theory and Methods, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
Brian Kogelmann: Department of Philosophy and Department of Political Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA

Journal of Theoretical Politics, 2024, vol. 36, issue 3, 256-274

Abstract: This article revisits the conventional distinction in political science between ‘positive’ and ‘normative’ political theory, particularly the belief that formal and mathematical methods are only pertinent to positive political theory. We argue that formal models are equally valuable in normative political theory for three reasons: they can make thought experiments more rigorous, they can demonstrate the consistency of normative principles, and they can provide insights into the practical workings of novel institutional arrangements in the absence of empirical data. The integration of formal models into normative political theory presents challenges, including the development of criteria for evaluating these models and potential shifts in research focus. Integration can also strengthen political theory’s tenuous role in the political science discipline.

Keywords: Formal models; institutional design; normative political theory; positive political theory; thought experiments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:36:y:2024:i:3:p:256-274

DOI: 10.1177/09516298241266267

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