Value pluralism and the usefulness of philosophical theory for public administration.

Taking stock of the DSF debate on value pluralism, this final contribution offers some (for now) concluding thoughts. It considers to which extent the original criticisms of the use of value pluralism by Spicer and Wagenaar can be maintained and which nuances should be added. Next, it discusses the use of philosophical concepts such as value pluralism for understanding administrative practice and developing administrative theory. It concludes this use can be considerable, provided such concepts are treated with sufficient carefulness