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The Conduct of Policy Analysis: Philosophical Points of Reference

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  • John Dixon
  • Rhys Dogan

Abstract

This paper explicates and reviews the competing approaches to policy analysis. It does so by constructing a methodological taxonomy that enables the identification of competing philosophical methodologies that underpin contending approaches to policy analysis. This is done by reference to contesting understandings of what constitutes knowledge (an epistemological issue) and what exists that is capable of giving rise to consequences (an ontological issue). This philosophical framework is then, illustratively, applied to an examination of the concept of the underclass. Then the epistemological and ontological challenges facing policy analysts seeking to analyze and address policy problems and issues are identified. Meeting these challenges requires the adoption of a methodology that draws insights from the epistemological and ontological syntheses that have emerged within contemporary social theory.

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  • John Dixon & Rhys Dogan, 2004. "The Conduct of Policy Analysis: Philosophical Points of Reference," Review of Policy Research, Policy Studies Organization, vol. 21(4), pages 559-579, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:revpol:v:21:y:2004:i:4:p:559-579
    DOI: 10.1111/j.1541-1338.2004.00094.x
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    Cited by:

    1. Janet Frantz & Hajime Sato, 2005. "The fertile soil for policy learning," Policy Sciences, Springer;Society of Policy Sciences, vol. 38(2), pages 159-176, September.
    2. John Dixon, 2012. "On being Poor‐by‐Choice: A Philosophical Critique of the Neoliberal Poverty Perspective," Poverty & Public Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 4(2), pages 1-19, June.

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