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Values and Conceptions of Problems: Symbols and Numbers
In Policy Paradox: The Art of Political Decision Making by Deborah Stone, the author creates a model of political reasoning based on beliefs, issues, and pre-conceptions. On to how policy concerns are communicated, says Stone. She argues that various ways to produce issues make it hard for an objective study. She encourages people to support a specific policy by using symbols, statistics, causes, interests, and judgments as examples of how information might be conveyed (Stone, 2012). Stone argues that relying on rational model theory does not work because every policy helps and punishes someone regardless of intent. This means that no “optimal” policy outcome is possible since maximum total welfare can only be calculated by defining categories that naturally benefit some and disadvantage others.
If you are trying to figure out the problem, start defining it. Like policy objectives, the concept of the current situation is ambiguous. Platonism emphasizes the strategic portrayal of situations instead of simply determining goals and distance from them while tackling problems (Stone, 2012). It is hoped that the design of these circumstances will allow for the exploitation of competing views. A policy problem can be defined and depicted using symbols, numbers, causes, interests, and decisions, says Stone. Symbols are representations that are collaboratively developed in policy problems. Symbolism Storytelling devices such as synecdoche, metaphors, and ambiguity illustrate an issue to support a particular solution (Stone, 2012). To influence and dominate, symbolism is strategically employed.
With symbolism, the leaders of a movement can build a more extensive base of support than relying just on individuals who are directly harmed. After defining a set of rules or criteria, numbers can be used to support a political argument. To encourage the formation of a natural community, numbers are used to express similarities and differences and define a statistical community to identify common interests (Stone, 2012). What counts and how are politically defined; therefore, the meaning of numbers in the political argument is likewise jointly formed and compared to metaphors, symbols, and stories.
Values and Problems: Causes, Interests and Decisions
Identifying and apportioning blame can be difficult in politics, but causes can help. To shift the boundary of burden and make a membership appear as a solution to a problem means identifying a cause in the polis. Causal theories attempt to govern problems’ reasons, interpretations, and representations. When it comes to politics, it is all about creating a narrative that will help lead policymakers (Stone, 2012). Everyone is interested in something because they have had some experience with it or imagined what it might be like to affect it somehow. Defining and activating political interests is done through representation. To attain a given political aim, political actors carefully portray programs as competitions between various forms of costs and advantages.
Policy analysis in the modern era is known for its emphasis on logical decision-making procedures. To solve a problem, one must weigh the pros and cons of several options to determine which method is best. Advocacy of rational choice models in the city is based on mobilized interests. Portraying an issue in this way allows you to manage its bounds rather than simply deciding what to do, making the decision-making process more efficient—Contrast Stone’s pre-existing economic model of decision making with the political model of social formation (Stone, 2012). The rational decision-making process in policy development is based on the idea that all policy development originates from pinpointing objectives, the predictions, an unorthodox course of action that achieves the set goals evaluating the possible outcome of every step, and an absolute clear course of action which maximizes the achievements. A scientific calculation was established to make political decision-making more scientific and less political. According to Stone, politics cannot be separated from political decision-making, and he uses a model of society as a political community. As a result of this continual conflict over classification standards, category boundaries, and principles that shape human behavior, she describes policymaking as a “political art form.” As a result, she applies the framework of rational decision-making to formulate goals, issues, and solutions (Stone, 2012). Still, she uses the concept of political logic as a foundation.
When it comes to society, Stone separates it from the models of markets and the polis, which she sees as two different concepts. To maximize one’s self-interests, individuals make decisions in the market model. As long as people are exchanging goods, they can affect change. When it comes to society, the polis model of society is based on the idea that public interest drives everything (Stone, 2012). When the interests of one person or group conflict with the interests of another, this is known as a “commons problem,” which is a significant source of conflict in the city. It is the foundation of human relationships and the basis for individual decision-making to be loyal to groups and organizations. As opposed to exchanging goods and services as envisioned by the market model, sources of change come through alliances and affiliate organizations and the ideas and arguments they spread (Stone, 2012). Solutions to policy issues are sometimes referred to as “policy measures.” A policy solution is an ongoing strategy for organizing relationships and coordinating action to accomplish a common goal. Motives, rules, facts, rights, and powers are methods used to present answers.
References
Stone, D. (2012). Incentives. Policy paradox: The art of political decision making. 3rd ed. WW Norton & Company, 271-288.
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