The Policy Sciences of Harold Lasswell

Contextual Orientation and the Critical Dimension

Advances in Critical Policy Studies series

Douglas Torgerson, Professor Emeritus of Politics, Trent University, Canada

Illuminating and timely, this book explores in depth Harold Lasswell’s prominent and controversial 20th century proposal for the ‘policy sciences’. With his extraordinary contextual focus, Lasswell stands apart as unique in the policy landscape, advancing a tacit critical dimension that anticipates a radical democratic prospect.

‘Torgerson undertakes nothing less than a critical rethinking of policy studies as a field through its foundations. By reacquainting Lasswell, we are advised to revisit concepts like behavioral change and policy expertise in light of his contextual orientation – and to think more radically about the policy sciences of democracy.’
– Holger Straßheim, Bielefeld University, Germany

‘The name of Harold Lasswell is inevitably invoked in serious discussions of public policy and the “policy sciences”. This book helps readers – both novices and seasoned veterans – understand why he occupies that central position. Understanding Lasswell is not simple, yet Torgerson demonstrates the depth and complexity of that eminent scholar.’
– B. Guy Peters, University of Pittsburgh, US

‘A wonderful book… Douglas Torgerson animates Lasswell’s numerous contributions, extending the “critical Lasswell” to inform a potential radical democracy relevant to today’s policy field and to current threats against democracy.’
– Jennifer Dodge, University at Albany, US

‘Professor Torgerson demonstrates provocatively and in detail Harold Lasswell’s continuing relevance for anyone seeking to understand our times and shape a future of human dignity for all.’
– Andrew Willard, Policy Scientist, US

‘Douglas Torgerson has provided the most thoughtful philosophical analysis of the work of Harold D. Lasswell, the giant in both psychodynamic political psychology and the policy sciences. The weaving of historical material and Torgerson’s highly distinctive interpretations of Lasswell’s stances toward democracy and the role of policy analysis is remarkable. Anyone committed to understanding the evolution of the policy sciences and the role of the analyst in democratic governance must read this book.’
– William Ascher, Claremont McKenna College, US

‘Nobody is better placed than Douglas Torgerson to tease out and interpret Lasswell's foundational contribution to what today would be called critical policy studies. This book is a masterful treatment of its subject that should establish once and for all the importance of thinking with Lasswell and Torgerson about the policy sciences.’
– John S. Dryzek, University of Canberra, Australia

‘Torgerson’s argument stands up very well, and the book is filled with intriguing facts and details I hadn’t known – even though I’d been a student, research assistant, colleague, and friend of Lasswell for many years.’
– Garry D. Brewer, Yale University, US