Course overview
Good public policy should be fair, effective, and rational. But these attributes are all conceptually contentious. In this course, we approach policy design and evaluation from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on: theoretical explanations of social phenomena and the nature of economic models; the role of rationality in economic models (rational choice theory, game theory); causal models and their role in public policy; the idea and reality of evidence-based policy; the nature of welfare and welfare economics; markets and morals; inequality, fairness, and distributive justice. The emphasis is on conceptual issues accessible to all PPE students.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand and describe the main controversies around rational choice theory and evidence-based policy
- Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical approaches to public policy from philosophy, politics, and economics, through oral and written argument
- Identify relevant contemporary policy challenges and demonstrate the ability to apply public policy theory to a specific policy proposal
- Explain and evaluate selected proposed foundations for successful policy development, through extended written argument
Degree list
The following degrees include this course