In this book, John Dryzek criticizes the dominance of instrumental rationality and objectivism in political institutions, public policy and in the practice of political science. He argues that the reliance on instrumental rationality has led to the excessive bureaucratization of government and to technocracies of expert cultures that are ill-equipped for dealing with complex social problems. Drawing on critical theory, he outlines an alternative program for the organization of political institutions, advocating a form of participatory democracy. This involves the active involvement of citizens and public discourse.