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Political Theory and Practical Public Reasoning

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  • Albert Weale

Abstract

Political theory and political philosophy (used interchangeably in this article) have always played a role in public life. The argument pursued here is that this is not accidental. We cannot understand in an explanatory sense developments in public policy without understanding the structure of ideas that influence those developments, including the normative presuppositions at the core of those structures of ideas. However, we can pass from explanation in the narrow sense to justification and the evaluation of the merits of those ideas. The techniques of normative political theory are invaluable in this context of justification and evaluation. Two examples are given to illustrate this last claim.

Suggested Citation

  • Albert Weale, 2010. "Political Theory and Practical Public Reasoning," Political Studies, Political Studies Association, vol. 58(2), pages 266-281, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:polstu:v:58:y:2010:i:2:p:266-281
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-9248.2009.00827.x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. King, Anthony, 1973. "Ideas, Institutions and the Policies of Governments: a Comparative Analysis: Part III," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(4), pages 409-423, October.
    2. Hadorn, David C., 1991. "The role of public values in setting health care priorities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 32(7), pages 773-781, January.
    3. Dyson, Kenneth & Featherstone, Kevin, 1999. "The Road To Maastricht: Negotiating Economic and Monetary Union," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296386.
    4. King, Anthony, 1973. "Ideas, Institutions and the Policies of Governments: a Comparative Analysis: Parts I and II," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 3(3), pages 291-313, July.
    5. Jenkins-Smith, Hank C. & Sabatier, Paul A., 1994. "Evaluating the Advocacy Coalition Framework," Journal of Public Policy, Cambridge University Press, vol. 14(2), pages 175-203, April.
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