Discursive Democracy: Politics, Policy, and Political Science

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Discursive Democracy: Politics, Policy, and Political Science
Authors and Contributors      By (author) John S. Dryzek
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:268
Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 151
ISBN/Barcode 9780521478274
ClassificationsDewey:321.8
Audience
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations Worked examples or Exercises

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 28 October 1994
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

John Dryzek criticizes in this book the dominance of instrumental rationality and objectivism in political institutions, public policy and 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, which he terms discursive democracy, that stresses the importance of active citizenship and public discourse.

Reviews

"...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