Political analysis involves both normative and empirical approaches. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the two approaches? 1. Knowledge acquired through the empirical approach is value-loaded. 2. Knowledge acquired through the normative approach is objectively neutral. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

Political analysis is broadly divided into normative and empirical approaches. The empirical approach, often associated with the scientific method, focuses on factual evidence, observation, and experimentation to describe 'what is'. It is traditionally considered 'value-free' or objectively neutral because it seeks to provide knowledge independent of the researcher's personal biases or ethical preferences. Conversely, the normative approach deals with 'what ought to be,' focusing on ideals, ethical considerations, and evaluative judgments [1]. Knowledge acquired through the normative approach is inherently value-loaded (or value-laden) as it involves assessing the desirability of political mechanisms and defining concepts like justice or equality based on moral frameworks [2]. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect because empirical knowledge is value-free, and statement 2 is incorrect because normative knowledge is value-loaded rather than objectively neutral.

Sources

1. [1] Microeconomics (NCERT class XII 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Introduction > 1.4 POSITIVE AND NORMATIVE ECONOMICS > p. 6
2. [2] Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Political Theory: An Introduction > 1.3 PUTTING POLITICAL THEORY TO PRACTICE > p. 8