Which of the following best characterizes traditional political theory?

Correct option is B

The statement that best characterizes traditional political theory is  (b) It is normative and concerned with how political life ought to be.

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Detailed Explanation of Traditional Political Theory

Traditional political theory, which spans thinkers from Plato and Aristotle through Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, is fundamentally different from modern empirical political science.

Key Characteristics of Traditional Theory

Normative Focus: The term "normative" means it is concerned with values, ideals, and what is good or right. Traditional theorists sought to answer fundamental questions like:

What is the best form of government?
What is justice?
What are the legitimate purposes of the state?
How ought citizens and rulers behave?

Emphasis on Philosophy and Ethics: It uses philosophical methods, logic, and deductive reasoning rather than relying strictly on observable data. Its goal is often to establish moral standards for political life.

Holistic Approach: It treats political life as intertwined with ethics, history, law, theology, and philosophy, rather than isolating it as a separate, empirical field.