DEMOCRATIC VALUES AND THE POLICY SCIENCES

Theory: The policy sciences and democracy are increasingly viewed as inseparable in both theory and practice. Argument: The ''policy sciences of democracy'' are disturbingly vague as to precisely what is meant by ''democracy'': is it an indirect? Madisonian democracy, one of representation and factions, or is it a more participatory, deTocquevillean democracy dependent upon general civic participation? Conclusions: The policy sciences, as originally prescribed by Lasswell to include a strong and active democratic strain, have been altered to emphasize an unrepresentative expertise, thus distancing themselves from their initial articulation. Many of the presently perceived shortcomings of the policy sciences can be traced to its proponent's ascription to a removed rather than a direct form of democracy. Implications: The policy sciences must therefore recast their theory and methodology in a more participatory vein in order to recapture their early promise of improved governance through the policy sciences of democracy.