'Pragmatic complexity' a new foundation for moving beyond 'evidence-based policy making'?. (4th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ansell, Christopher; Geyer, Robert
• Is Part Of: Policy studies. Volume 38:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 149
• Page End: 167
• Publication Date: 2017-03-04
• Subjects: Complexity theory -- pragmatist philosophy -- evidence-based policy making -- deliberative democracy -- pragmatic complexity -- drug policy; Policy sciences -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Economic policy -- Decision making -- Periodicals; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1945- -- Decision making -- Periodicals; 320.605
• DOI: 10.1080/01442872.2016.1219033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-2872

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Despite a range of criticism, the realm of policy still remains dominated by the rational, positivist and quantitative approaches of New Public Management, 'evidence-based' approaches and target/accountancy oriented 'scientific' management. Two notable attempts to develop an alternative to this dominant framework, however, have come from the older tradition of American pragmatism and the newer approach of complexity. In this article we introduce some of the core concepts of pragmatist philosophy and complexity relating to policy making. We then explore some of the key premises for bringing these two fields together and subsequently apply this 'pragmatic complexity' approach and a Stacey Diagram to drug policy. We argue that a marriage of pragmatism and complexity can provide a positive alternative conception of the relationship between scientific knowledge and decision-making and offers a way to integrate a scientific approach with democratic deliberation and values.