Public policy, rationality and reason

Public policy in a democracy can not be attached to the frames of scientific knowledge nor those of instrumental reason. This paper suggests the incorporation of practical reason in the public policy process drawing on the contributions of political and moral philosophy. It takes up two proposals that aim in this direction: the model of deliberative democracy of Jurgen Habermas and the I procedure (categorical imperative) of John Rawls. The incorporation of practical reason in the public policy process is possible, as exemplified by the model of participatory government with decision power, and by itself contributes to the deepening of democracy.