Philosophy & Public Policy

Print: Current and back 8 years
On campus online: Not available

Website: The Institute for Philosophy and Public Policy, a part of the School of Public Affairs at the University of Maryland, was established in 1976 to conduct research into the values and concepts that underlie public policy. Most studies concerned with public policy are empirical: they assess costs, describe constituencies, and gather data with the goal of making predictions. Though the Institute frames its research questions by looking carefully at empirical data, its own work is primarily conceptual and normative. It investigates the structure of arguments and the nature of values relevant to the formation, justification, and criticism of public policy. Through its publications and its Web site, the Institute seeks to clarify and contribute to public discussion.