Suchergebnisse

These first three volumes of a promising series are strong evidence that the policy sciences of development are beginning to emerge as an identifiable problem-oriented frame of reference, intersecting every specialized field of knowledge. The goals of development are gaining clarity; the historical perspective deepens; the interdependence of conditioning factors is better understood; the probable lines of future growth are more fully projected; and the invention and evaluation of policies designed to maximize or at least to achieve minimum results are forging ahead. The editors of each volume have woven theory and data into coherent patterns, and many essays—such as the chapters by Marx, Riggs, Lerner, and Pool—are sharply centered on the hitherto underdeveloped topics with which they come to grips. The Almond-Coleman model of political development lurks meaningfully in the wings.

As a first step in characterizing contemporary moral & pol'al thought, the policy sci's are examined in terms of their doctrinal bases, their relation to J. Rawls' critique of teleological morality, & their application to econ theories of tort liability & the assignment of legal rights. Despite claims of objectivity, the policy sci's are found to entail fundamental commitments to characteristically shaped substantive conclusions. Process is obscured by emphasis on result. Structured relations are ignored in the search for common denominators. Moral feeling is anestetized by use of antiseptic terminology. The role of reason is limited by rigid insistence on separating fact & value. The correction of these distortions requires the creation of an alternative methodology. AA.

The current international status of policy sciences is evaluated, & areas of imminent inquiry in the field are proposed. Key characteristics of the discipline are outlined, including policy application & orientation, emphasis on contextuality, & multidisciplinary approach; challenges facing professionals due to the proliferation of so-called "policy analysts" & to deficiencies in normative policy-making considerations are reviewed. Concerns of potential clients are also identified, including inapplicability, incompleteness, & political manipulation or nonutility of commissioned analyses; the need to strengthen professional credibility through standards & attention to overall societal needs is emphasized. L. Whittemore.