Short description
In this book, John Dryzek criticizes the dominance of instrumental rationality and objectivism in political institutions, public policy, and in the practice of political science.
Long description
In this book, John Dryzek criticizes the dominance of instrumental rationality and objectivism in political institutions, public policy and in the practice of political science. He argues that the reliance on instrumental rationality has led to the excessive bureaucratization of government and to technocracies of expert cultures that are ill-equipped for dealing with complex social problems. Drawing on critical theory, he outlines an alternative program for the organization of political institutions, advocating a form of participatory democracy. This involves the active involvement of citizens and public discourse.
Review
"...John Dryzek has effectively and provocatively addressed a remarkable number of problems important to the discipline of political science and to United States and international political practice...In a discipline long on description and critique and short on remedies, Dryzek's book is a refreshing change. He combines abstract conceptual and philosophical diagnosis with specific curative recommendations." Journal of Politics "Dryzek has mastered a truly impressive range of literature, and he successfully blends an analysis of current theoretical and methodological issues with an examination of how those issues might inform the practices of a wide variety of political actors." Policy Currents "In just more than 220 pages of text, John Dryzek has effectively and provocatively addressed a remarkable number of problems important to the discipline of political science and to United States and international political practice...In a discipline long on description and critique and short on remedies, Dryzek's book is a refreshing change. He combines abstract conceptual and philosophical diagnosis with specific curative recommendations." Journal of Politics
Table of contents
- Preface
- Part I. Introduction: 1. Democratizing rationality
- Part II. Political Institutions: 2. Discursive designs
- 3. Complexity
- 4. Discursive dynamics
- 5. International discursive designs (with Susan Hunter)
- Part III. Public Policy: 6. Policy sciences of democracy
- 7. The ambitions of policy (with Brian Ripley)
- Part IV. Political Science: 8. The mismeasure of political man
- 9. The measure of political man - and woman
- 10. Progress and rationality
- Part V. Conclusion: 11. On extending democracy
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index.