Public Administration and the State

A Postmodern Perspective

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, Government, Public Affairs & Administration
Cover of the book Public Administration and the State by Michael W. Spicer, University of Alabama Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael W. Spicer ISBN: 9780817391157
Publisher: University of Alabama Press Publication: May 30, 2016
Imprint: University Alabama Press Language: English
Author: Michael W. Spicer
ISBN: 9780817391157
Publisher: University of Alabama Press
Publication: May 30, 2016
Imprint: University Alabama Press
Language: English

In this critical examination of public administration's pervasive vision of a powerful state, Spicer thoughtfully reconsiders the relationship between activities of governance and concepts of the state.

Woodrow Wilson argued for a state led by a powerful government, guided by science and enlightened experts, for the accomplishment of a set of collective purposes—in other words, a purposive state. Michael Spicer contends that though Wilson and those who followed him have not typically explored questions of political and constitutional theory in their writing, a clear and strong vision of the state has emerged in their work nonetheless.

Building upon the work of Dwight Waldo and others who have sought to explore and reveal the political theory behind the seemingly neutral language of administration, Spicer explores the roots—both historical and philosophical—of the purposive state. He considers the administrative experience of 18th-century Prussia and its relationship to the vision of the purposive state, and examines the ways this idea has been expressed in the 20th century. He then looks at the practical problems such a vision creates for public policy in a fragmented postmodern political culture. Finally, Spicer explores an alternative view of public administration—one based on a civil association model appropriate to our constitutional traditions and contemporary culture.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this critical examination of public administration's pervasive vision of a powerful state, Spicer thoughtfully reconsiders the relationship between activities of governance and concepts of the state.

Woodrow Wilson argued for a state led by a powerful government, guided by science and enlightened experts, for the accomplishment of a set of collective purposes—in other words, a purposive state. Michael Spicer contends that though Wilson and those who followed him have not typically explored questions of political and constitutional theory in their writing, a clear and strong vision of the state has emerged in their work nonetheless.

Building upon the work of Dwight Waldo and others who have sought to explore and reveal the political theory behind the seemingly neutral language of administration, Spicer explores the roots—both historical and philosophical—of the purposive state. He considers the administrative experience of 18th-century Prussia and its relationship to the vision of the purposive state, and examines the ways this idea has been expressed in the 20th century. He then looks at the practical problems such a vision creates for public policy in a fragmented postmodern political culture. Finally, Spicer explores an alternative view of public administration—one based on a civil association model appropriate to our constitutional traditions and contemporary culture.

More books from University of Alabama Press

Cover of the book The Scalawag In Alabama Politics, 1865–1881 by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Reading the Difficulties by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Katherine Anne Porter Remembered by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Schools in the Landscape by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book The Aborigines of Puerto Rico and Neighboring Islands by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Father Flashes by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Dixie Walker of the Dodgers by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Cussing Dixie, Loving Dixie by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Heightened Expectations by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Two-Party Politics in the One-Party South by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Governing Narratives by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Kissed By by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Choctaw Prophecy by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Epistolary Responses by Michael W. Spicer
Cover of the book Through the Open Door by Michael W. Spicer
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy