Principles of public policy practice

by Lok-sang Ho

"Principles of Public Policy Practice was written with policy makers, concerned citizens, and students with public policy in mind. Striving to avoid technical language, the author introduces a new paradigm that starts from the commonality of human nature and the assumption that public policy should be impartial. Rather than playing the interests of one group versus those of another, he argues convincingly, public policy should aim at enhancing the ex ante welfare for everyone if everyone did not know the position or the identity one would assume.". "Using this conceptual device of the representative individual, the analysis readily leads to policy implications that are both reasonable and concrete in diverse areas ranging from health care, crime and punishment to macroeconomic and financial market stability. The book concludes with a chapter summarizing the various principles of public policy practice that will meet the challenges of the new millenium. These principles, certainly of in