This open access book provides a novel framework for understanding the connections between philosophy and public administration. It proposes four key directions of inquiry to help better understand the relationship between these two areas of research and practice: philosophy for public administration, mapping backwards, aligning philosophy and public administration, and philosophy of public administration. Each of these directions of inquiry are analyzed in turn, underlining the functions that philosophy applied to public administration perform, and the ways in which philosophy and philosophical thinking can benefit the development of public administration and governance. A research program outlining the features of a philosophy of public administration for the 21^st century is delineated. An essential read for both academics and practitioners, the book will appeal to all those interested in public administration, public management, governance, and philosophy.

Edoardo Ongaro is Professor of Public Management at The Open University, UK.