Methods of Theorizing

Bibliographic Data

ID23640755
AuthorsSherrie Chamber (0000-0002-4046-1421, corresponding author), Simone Chambers
Year2022
Pages27-38
Publication date2022-10-25
Open AccessYes
TypeCHAPTER
VenueResearch Methods in Deliberative Democracy (SOURCE_BOOK)
PublisherOxford University PressOxford (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1093/oso/9780192848925.003.0002
OpenAlexW4309372506
ISBN9780192848925
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited17

What is normative theory and how is it done? This chapter introduces a typology of five types of normative theory found within the deliberative democracy tradition. The first category is called theories of the ideal and these lay out the core values and aspirations of deliberative democracy. The second type, critical reflective theory, questions, probes, and interrogates the first-order theories of the ideal in order to correct and improve normative theory through criticism. The third category is called constructive reflective theory and here theorists interpret, elaborate, and extend theories of the ideal by applying them in new ways or to new circumstances. The fourth and fifth categories engage the empirical world more directly, but like the reflective type, either critically or constructively. Critical applied theories engage normativity by criticizing existing arrangements for failing to live up to normative ideals. This can also be called the yardstick model of normative theory. Constructive applied theories engage normativity by suggesting, proposing, and designing innovative institutions and real-world practices to make democracy more deliberative.

Constructive · Criticism · Deliberation · Democracy · Epistemology · Ideal (ethics) · Ideal theory · Ideal type · Normative · Order (exchange) · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · Typology · Computer Science · Critical Theory and Philosophy · Law · Mathematics · Philosophical Ethics and Theory · Philosophy · Political Philosophy and Ethics

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