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The notion of "optimizing" public policy is critically examined, discussing reasons why it cannot be done. In attempting to redefine the concept to make it more useful, the propositions that (1) policy goals are often multiple & competing, (2) there are few certain technologies for solving public problems, & (3) the context of public policy is essentially unstable & unpredictable are accepted. The strategy for optimizing suggested requires flexible, decentralized institutions, capable of responding to uncertainty. A long-term change in the approach to policy studies that implies both institutional & educational change & a well-articulated alternative to the conventional optimizing model is proposed. Modified HA.