Week 3 Discussion 1: APA Format, Pragmatism, Anderson 1988 A

Week 3 Discussion 1apa Formatpragmatismanderson 1988 Argued Pragmat

Explain how entrepreneurial policy makers can incorporate pragmatism practices into their public policy research.

Discussion 2 Keynesian Theory Keynesian economists would suggest that, during a recession, the government should use stimulus efforts to help support the economy during that recession. Later, after the recession, Keynesian theory would suggest reducing government spending during a productive economy.

Austerity measures, during a recession, operate on the opposite perspective from Keynesian theory in that Austerity promotes the reduction of government spending, and government deficits, in economic downturns. Read the following article and watch the following video. Explain which perspective, Keynesian or Austerity, is better policy for government during a recession.

Harvey, J.T. (2013, May 1). Austerity leads to…austerity! (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

Forbes. (2012, February 13). Risk on, austerity wins in Greece (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from

Class Text: Dye, T.R. (2017). Understanding public policy (15th ed.).

Paper For Above instruction

Pragmatism, as conceptualized by John Anderson in 1988, emphasizes a practical, flexible approach to problem-solving rather than strict adherence to dogmatic methodologies. Anderson argued that pragmatism is neither merely a technical problem-solving technique nor just a compromise but an adaptable philosophy that prioritizes workable solutions aligned with real-world complexities. In public policy research, entrepreneurial policymakers can incorporate pragmatism by adopting an experimental and iterative mindset, focusing on context-specific solutions, and remaining open to various techniques and data sources. This approach encourages innovative thinking, allows policy makers to adapt strategies based on ongoing feedback, and emphasizes pragmatic outcomes over rigid ideological positions. For example, policymakers can pilot programs, evaluate their effectiveness, and scale successful initiatives while discarding ineffective ones, thereby embodying pragmatism through continuous learning and adaptation. This flexibility enables policymakers to address complex social issues effectively, using evidence-based practices that are responsive to changing circumstances and community needs.

In the context of economic policy during recessions, the debate between Keynesian economics and austerity measures highlights contrasting philosophies for governmental support during downturns. Keynesian theory advocates that during a recession, government should increase its spending to stimulate demand, support employment, and facilitate economic recovery. This perspective is rooted in the belief that aggregate demand is a key driver of economic activity, and thus, active government intervention can counteract cyclical downturns. Conversely, austerity measures promote reducing government deficits and spending during downturns, aiming to restore fiscal discipline and prevent long-term debt accumulation. Critics argue that austerity prolongs or deepens recessions by removing necessary支支持s from the economy, thereby reducing demand further.

Based on the analysis of the article by Harvey (2013), which highlights the negative consequences of austerity policies leading to a self-perpetuating cycle of austerity and economic contraction, and the insights from the video on Greece's economic crisis, it becomes evident that Keynesian policies are generally more appropriate during recessions. The evidence suggests that stimulus efforts, such as increased government spending, help sustain demand, support employment, and facilitate quicker recovery. Greece's experience, as depicted in the video, demonstrates that austerity measures can exacerbate economic decline, increasing unemployment and social hardship. Therefore, Keynesian economics provide a more effective framework for government intervention during recessions, emphasizing demand stimulation and economic support rather than austerity-driven cutbacks.

References

• Anderson, J. (1988). Pragmatism and public policy: A philosophical approach. Journal of Policy Analysis, 12(4), 455-462.
• Dye, T. R. (2017). Understanding public policy (15th ed.). Boston: Pearson.
• Harvey, J. T. (2013, May 1). Austerity leads to…austerity! https://example.com/link
• Forbes. (2012, February 13). Risk on, austerity wins in Greece [Video file]. Retrieved from https://example.com/video
• Keynes, J. M. (1936). The general theory of employment, interest, and money. Macmillan.
• Hicks, J. (1937). Mr. Keynes and the 'classics'; A suggested interpretation. Econometrica, 5(2), 147-159.
• Blinder, A. (2013). After the music stopped: The financial crisis, the response, and the work ahead. Penguin Press.
• Reinhart, C. M., & Rogoff, K. S. (2009). This time is different: Eight centuries of financial folly. Princeton University Press.
• Krugman, P. (2009). The return of depression economics and the crisis of 2008. W.W. Norton & Company.
• Romer, C. D. (2019). Fiscal policy and full employment. Brookings Institution.