Question

What is ‘critical theory’? In which ways do critical theorists’ approach differ from positive theorists’?

Answer 1

Critical theory in the narrow sense has had many different aspects and quite distinct historical phases that cross several generations from the effective start of the institute of social search which saw the arrival of frankfurt school philosophers and an inaugural session by horkheimer to the present.Its distinctiveness as a philosophical approach that extends to ethics,political philosophy and the philosophy of history is the most apparent when considered in the light of history of the philosophy of social sciences.Critical theorists have long sought to dustinguishd their aims ,methods and theories and forms of explanation from standard understandings in both natural and social sciences .Critical theory is adequate only if it meets 3 important criteria that is it must be explanatory,p tactical ,normative all at the same time.

Positive theory is the theory that explains how the world works in a value free way .Positive theories explains what is and normative theories express what ought to be.

Positive accounting theory is concerned with predicting such actions as the choices of accounting policies by firms and how firms will respond to new proposed accounting standards.Positive accounting theory helps us to reconcile efficient securities market theory with economic consequences

Comparison

Positive accounting theory that tge functioning of market will lead to some form of ideal outcomes

Critical theorists believe that will only act to underminethe interests of those people who should be protected .

Positive theorists motivated on self interest and wealth maximisation

Critical theorists argue that it is unequal distribution of wealth and power