Value Pluralism and the Usefulness of Philosophical Theory for Public Administration

• Author: Patrick Overeem,Jelle Verhoef
• Date: 01 November 2015
• Published date: 01 November 2015
• DOI: 10.1177/0095399715598345
• Subject Matter: Disputatio Sine Fine

Administration & Society

2015, Vol. 47(9) 1103 –1109

© The Author(s) 2015

DOI: 10.1177/0095399715598345

aas.sagepub.com

Disputatio Sine Fine

Value Pluralism and

the Usefulness of

Philosophical Theory for

Public Administration

Patrick Overeem1 and Jelle Verhoef

2

Abstract

Taking stock of the DSF debate on value pluralism, this final contribution

offers some (for now) concluding thoughts. It considers to which extent

the original criticisms of the use of value pluralism by Spicer and Wagenaar

can be maintained and which nuances should be added. Next, it discusses

the use of philosophical concepts such as value pluralism for understanding

administrative practice and developing administrative theory. It concludes

this use can be considerable, provided such concepts are treated with

sufficient carefulness.

Keywords

value pluralism, philosophical theory, administrative practice

Debating Value Pluralism

Real, fundamental debates are rare, even among academics. We are therefore

very grateful for the opportunity offered by the editors of Administration &

Society to have another round of debate on value pluralism (VP) and its

meaning for public administration. This debate, as usual, leaves something to

1Leiden University, The Hague, The Netherlands

2Ministry of Security and Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands

Corresponding Author:

Patrick Overeem, Leiden University, Schouwburgstraat 2, The Hague, 2511 VA, The

Netherlands.

Email: p.overeem@cdh.leidenuniv.nl

598345AASXXX10.1177/0095399715598345Administration & SocietyOvereem and Verhoef

research-article2015