Abstract
On issues concerning the basis and function of political science and public administration as a discipline, Max Weber provides answers that are puzzling when more closely examined. In this article, it is demonstrated that coherent answers to these issues can be found in the work of Niccolò Machiavelli. Moreover, Machiavelli’s perspective can solve the puzzle that Weber creates. This perspective explains, more explicitly and elaborately than Weber, how the practice and the study of public administration are to be distinguished, but, at the same time, are connected and similar. We conclude by showing the implications of Machiavelli’s approach for public administration education, research, and advice.
Highlights
On issues concerning the basis and function of political science and public administration as a discipline, Max Weber provides answers that are puzzling when more closely examined
We conclude by showing the implications of Machiavelli’s approach for public administration education, research, and advice. In his Republic, Plato (2007) presented answers to questions that are basic to public administration and political science: (a) Is reliable knowledge for governance possible? (b) If so, what type of knowledge can experts in administration and government offer? (c) What should be the role of experts to powerholders? According to Plato, some people, after lengthy study and contemplation, can develop a rational grip on universal and unchanging ideas
For many current scholars in public administration, the evident answers to these basic issues will likely be the answers that Max Weber provided
Summary
To cite this article: Berry Tholen (2016) Machiavelli’s Lessons for Public Administration, Administrative Theory & Praxis, 38:2, 101-114, DOI: 10.1080/10841806.2016.1165586 To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.1080/10841806.2016.1165586 Full Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at https://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?journalCode=madt20 Administrative Theory & Praxis, 38: 101–114, 2016 Published with license by Taylor & Francis ISSN: 1084-1806 print/1949-0461 online DOI: 10.1080/10841806.2016.1165586
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