Definition
- Normative statement
- A normative statement describes how the world should be, and rests on values that no evidence can prove true or false.
- Not to be confused with: Positive statement
- A positive statement describes the world as it is, and can be tested against evidence, at least in principle.
Test yourself
What is the difference between normative statement and positive statement?
A positive statement can be checked against evidence; a normative one rests on a value judgement.