201. Rediscovering the Taproot: Is Classical Pragmatism the Route to Renew Public Administration?
- Author
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Shields, Patricia M.
- Subjects
PRAGMATISM -- Social aspects ,DECISION making in public administration ,POLITICAL philosophy ,PHILOSOPHY & social sciences ,UNITED States politics & government ,PHILOSOPHY - Abstract
The origins of the influential American philosophy classical pragmatism and of American public administration overlap. On the surface, it appears that classical pragmatism had no influence on the emerging field of American public administration. Why were the two never properly wed? This essay first traces the historical connections that link public administration and classical pragmatism. Second, using a framework that is simple to remember, the tenets of classical pragmatism—practical, pluralistic, participatory, and provisional—are explored and applied to public administration. The marriage of classical pragmatism and public administration should prove endlessly fertile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
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