The Scholarship of Elegance and Significance

Abstract

In this article, the authors examine the importance of expressive and aesthetic truth claims to public administration scholars, and present a model to aid them in making and evaluating such claims. Sincere expression adds credibility to an argument, and quality of expression can lend elegance to a truth claim. Expressive or aesthetic truth claims are not merely used to heighten emotions or enhance sensory experience; more importantly, they can also contribute to the efficacy of an empirical or normative truth claim. Through the judicious use of these truth claims, significance and meaning can be attached to the bare facts of empirical inquiry or a recommendation to act.