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... > social science subjects > politics and international relations > political science > political theory > empirical political theory > positive theory
social science subjects > politics and international relations > political science > political theory > positive theory
... > social science subjects > politics and international relations > political science > political theory > religious thought > positive theory

Preferred term

positive theory  

Definition

  • Positive political theory, also known as formal political theory, is the study of political phenomena through the use of formal language and analytical models. Positive theory distinguishes itself from normative theory in that it focuses on explanation or prediction of political outcomes rather than on normative political ideas. [Source: Encyclopedia of Political Theory; Positive Theory]

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https://concepts.sagepub.com/social-science/concept/positive_theory

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