Suchergebnisse

A recent appraisal by Farr et al. (Am Polit Sci Rev 100:579-587 2006) credited Lasswell with raising important questions of professional responsibility for political science. However, the appraisal rejected working answers to those questions offered by Lasswell and his colleagues without considering them substantively or comprehensively. In doing so, the appraisal misleads those academics in political science and other disciplines who may be interested in a genuinely professional role for themselves, a role that takes into account the social consequences of the exercise of their knowledge and skills. This article provides a more authentic introduction to Lasswell's life and work and vision of the policy scientist of democracy, and suggests some alternatives for would-be professionals. Adapted from the source document.

This essay presents some subjective thoughts on becoming more of a policy scientist, based on nearly thirty years of intense interest in policymaking and its improvement. Written as a token of gratitude for the privilege of receiving the first Harold Lasswell Award from the Policy Studies Organization, the essay takes the form of advice to striving policy scientists in nine desiderata followed by five operational recommendations. Some readings for exploring the suggestions presented in this paper are included in the reference section.

New kinds of policy analysts & policy sci'ts are being trained in U graduate programs but the outlines of this new profession remain fuzzy. A comparative analysis of other professionals in gov advisory roles may provide touchstones by which to develop the new profession. Interviews are reported with Ur planners, lawyers, econ'ts & pol'al sci'ts about their experience in gov. Propositions are developed about characteristic modes of thought & problem-solving styles of each profession & conclusions drawn about the relative "effectiveness" of each set of professional skills in a policymaking process. It is then suggested that the new policy sci'st profession should develop some of the positive skills of the other fields in order to enhance effectiveness. 8 Tables, 1 Appendix. Modified HA.

This essay provides a debate about Lasswell's policy scientist of democracy (PSOD, 1948) in comparison to the model of liquid democracy (21st century) based on the question if the digital age requires new models of democracy. The PSOD of Lasswell, a disciplinary persona, is in favour of an elitist approach to democracy including elite decision-making, as well as the values of wealth and power. Liquid democracy, on the other hand, emerged from the notion that the Internet provides a vast amount of possibilities for a mix between direct and representative democratic aspects. The term liquid democracy describes a more "fluid and responsive participation of citizens in the democratic process through the use of both online and offline networks" (david, 2013). In general, one can say that both models have their drawbacks and benefits. Since there are new technologies available in the digital age, we should make use of them for the public good, but in order to not exclude anyone, there should be a mix between traditional and technology-based methods with regard to democracy.