Positive Sciences

"Positive science" is a term for fields of study focused on observable facts and empirical evidence, contrasting with normative science which deals with "what ought to be". Emphasizing objective data and methodical approaches, positive sciences aim to establish uniformities and laws, as seen in natural sciences like physics, chemistry, and biology. The philosophy of positivism believes the world is capable of objective interpretation, and social sciences should adopt the empirical methodologies of natural sciences. 

Key Characteristics

• Empirical Approach: Relies on observable data and facts derived from experience. 
• Objectivity: Seeks to provide an objective interpretation of the world, free from subjective biases. 
• Methodology: Employs established scientific methods, often borrowed from the natural sciences, for inquiry. 
• Focus on "What Is": Aims to describe and explain phenomena as they actually exist. 

Examples in the Modern Context

• Natural Sciences:
• Physics, chemistry, and biology are classic examples where empirical data forms the foundation of knowledge. 
• Social Sciences:
• The term can also describe efforts to apply empirical methods to social phenomena, aiming to establish general, probabilistic statements about behavior. 
• Modern Applications:
• Companies like Positive Science, Inc. and Positive Science Eyetracking use eye-tracking technology for behavior research, product design, and other empirical studies. 

Contrast with Normative Science

• Positive Science:
• Concerns itself with "what is," describing actual phenomena and establishing facts. 
• Normative Science:
• Deals with "what ought to be," focusing on criteria, ideals, and what is right or wrong. 

Historical Context 

• The concept was central to the philosophical movement of positivism, which asserted that knowledge should be based on positive data of experience.
• Figures like Auguste Comte championed positivism, advocating for a scientific approach to all areas of human knowledge.