THE PHILOSOPHY OF PUBLIC POLICY
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROF MM MONYAKANE
RRLLB81 ASSESSMENT 2 / FINAL PORTFOLIO
(DUE DATE: September 2025)
, Abstract
This study examines the philosophy of public policy, focusing on its theoretical
foundations, guiding principles, and practical applications. Public policy is explored
as a deliberate framework of government actions aimed at addressing societal
issues, balancing competing interests, and promoting the common good. The
research highlights how philosophical approaches—such as utilitarianism, liberalism,
and communitarianism—influence policy formulation and implementation.
Furthermore, the study analyses policy-making models, including rational-
comprehensive, incremental, and mixed-scanning approaches, to illustrate how
theoretical concepts are translated into practice. The findings underscore the
importance of equity, efficiency, accountability, and transparency in designing and
evaluating effective public policies, offering insights into the interplay between
normative philosophy and practical governance.
Keywords
Public Policy
Policy Philosophy
Policy-Making Models
Utilitarianism
Liberalism
Communitarianism
Equity
Efficiency
Accountability
Transparency
Abbreviations
By
[RRLLB81 STUDENT]
(012345678)
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree
BACHELOR OF LAWS
in the
DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL AND PROCEDURAL LAW
SCHOOL OF LAW
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA
SUPERVISOR: PROF MM MONYAKANE
RRLLB81 ASSESSMENT 2 / FINAL PORTFOLIO
(DUE DATE: September 2025)
, Abstract
This study examines the philosophy of public policy, focusing on its theoretical
foundations, guiding principles, and practical applications. Public policy is explored
as a deliberate framework of government actions aimed at addressing societal
issues, balancing competing interests, and promoting the common good. The
research highlights how philosophical approaches—such as utilitarianism, liberalism,
and communitarianism—influence policy formulation and implementation.
Furthermore, the study analyses policy-making models, including rational-
comprehensive, incremental, and mixed-scanning approaches, to illustrate how
theoretical concepts are translated into practice. The findings underscore the
importance of equity, efficiency, accountability, and transparency in designing and
evaluating effective public policies, offering insights into the interplay between
normative philosophy and practical governance.
Keywords
Public Policy
Policy Philosophy
Policy-Making Models
Utilitarianism
Liberalism
Communitarianism
Equity
Efficiency
Accountability
Transparency
Abbreviations
