, THE PHILOSOPHY OF PUBLIC POLICY
By
[Your Full Name]
[Student Number]
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
Public policy is not merely a technical or administrative exercise but a deeply
philosophical endeavour that reflects societal values, ethical considerations, and
political priorities. This assignment critically examines the philosophy of public policy
by interrogating its theoretical foundations, ethical dimensions, and practical
applications within a democratic society. The study highlights how philosophy informs
the principles underlying policy formulation, particularly in balancing competing
interests, promoting justice, and safeguarding human rights. It further explores the
role of utilitarianism, rights-based theories, and theories of justice in shaping policy
outcomes, while acknowledging the challenges of applying abstract philosophical
concepts in diverse and unequal societies.
In the South African context, public policy carries unique historical and socio-political
weight, given the legacy of apartheid, structural inequality, and the pursuit of
constitutional democracy. This work considers how policies are often guided not only
by legal requirements but also by normative commitments to equality, dignity, and
social justice. Particular attention is given to contemporary challenges such as
globalisation, poverty, education reform, healthcare delivery, and economic
redistribution, illustrating how philosophical debates translate into policy decisions
that directly affect citizens’ lives.
Ultimately, the philosophy of public policy is shown to be indispensable for guiding
decision-makers in reconciling ethical obligations with practical constraints. Far from
being a purely theoretical exercise, philosophical reasoning provides the moral
compass by which public policies are judged as just, legitimate, and effective. This
assignment therefore underscores the necessity of embedding philosophical
reflection at the heart of policy-making processes, ensuring that law and governance
remain responsive to the needs and values of society.
By
[Your Full Name]
[Student Number]
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
Public policy is not merely a technical or administrative exercise but a deeply
philosophical endeavour that reflects societal values, ethical considerations, and
political priorities. This assignment critically examines the philosophy of public policy
by interrogating its theoretical foundations, ethical dimensions, and practical
applications within a democratic society. The study highlights how philosophy informs
the principles underlying policy formulation, particularly in balancing competing
interests, promoting justice, and safeguarding human rights. It further explores the
role of utilitarianism, rights-based theories, and theories of justice in shaping policy
outcomes, while acknowledging the challenges of applying abstract philosophical
concepts in diverse and unequal societies.
In the South African context, public policy carries unique historical and socio-political
weight, given the legacy of apartheid, structural inequality, and the pursuit of
constitutional democracy. This work considers how policies are often guided not only
by legal requirements but also by normative commitments to equality, dignity, and
social justice. Particular attention is given to contemporary challenges such as
globalisation, poverty, education reform, healthcare delivery, and economic
redistribution, illustrating how philosophical debates translate into policy decisions
that directly affect citizens’ lives.
Ultimately, the philosophy of public policy is shown to be indispensable for guiding
decision-makers in reconciling ethical obligations with practical constraints. Far from
being a purely theoretical exercise, philosophical reasoning provides the moral
compass by which public policies are judged as just, legitimate, and effective. This
assignment therefore underscores the necessity of embedding philosophical
reflection at the heart of policy-making processes, ensuring that law and governance
remain responsive to the needs and values of society.
