Award Date

1-1-2005

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Political Science

First Committee Member

Craig Walton

Number of Pages

159

Abstract

This thesis evaluates three theories representing the three perspectives identified by Goktug Morcol as perspectives of the hermeneutic critique in policy analysis, while explicating the revolutionary process that the science is currently undergoing. The evaluation is focused around the question as to whether the three theories are viable alternatives to positivist theories. First, a brief history of policy analysis is presented, highlighting the conditions that contributed to the rise of the general positivist paradigm as the ideal in policy analysis. This is followed by a summary and criticisms of the general positivist paradigm. Next, summaries of Dvora Yanow's interpretive theory, Deborah Stone's policy analysis as craft theory, and Frank Fischer's discursive theory are presented as representatives of the three perspectives within the hermeneutic critique. Finally, an evaluation is offered of the three theories based on their ability to overcome the challenges presented by the criticisms of the general positivist paradigm.

Keywords

Analysis; Critique; Deborah Stone; Dvora Yanow; Evaluating; Goktug Morcol; Hermeneutic; Policy; Theories

Controlled Subject

Political science; Philosophy

File Format

pdf

File Size

3911.68 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

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