ABSTRACT
Under the assumption of the knowledge-that theory of practicality, the policy practicality principle has been interfaced with the principles of policy statism, goodness, and balance, consecutively. Although policy studies has been forced to retain its academic identity via its theoretical relevance, the policy thought theory of practicality could be an underpinning for claiming the disciplinary originality of the academics of public policy. If so, the policy practicality principle would not be circumscribed by the usefulness and application of the knowledge-how of theoretical reliability of public policy. Rather, policy practicality hypothesizes that practical knowledge, wisdom, judgment, and commitment are the representatives of the knowledge-that paradigm in policy thought. A for a striking instance, “knowledge” in terms of practicality could be a principal character that inquires the intellectual qualities of policy practicality. In philosophy, the policy practicality principle is argued by Kant's working knowledge and judgmental capacity, Aristotle's practical wisdom of phronesis, and Rousseau's general will theory. Furthermore, policy practicality is surveyed by Confucian thoughts such as Zhangzi's enlightening the intrinsic quality of practicality, Xunzi's the Way of things, and Mencius' and the Wang Yangming's intuitive knowledge (synderesis), as well as Confucius' doctrine of the investigation of things leading to maximizing practical knowledge and wisdom.
