The cybernetic theory of decision : new dimensions of political analysis / John D. Steinbruner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Steinbruner, John D., 1941- author.

Series:

Princeton Paperbacks

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

Political science--Decision making.

Political science.

Nuclear weapons.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (394 pages)

Edition:

2. pbk. ed.

Place of Publication:

Princeton, New Jersey : Princeton University Press, [1974]

Summary:

In this classic work, John Steinbruner argues that the time is ripe for exploration of a new theoretical perspective on the decision-making process in government. He suggests that the cybernetic theory of decision as developed in such diverse fields as information theory, mathematical logic, and behavioral psychology generates a systematic but non-rational analysis that seems to explain quite naturally decisions that are puzzling when viewed from the rational perspective. When combined with the basic understanding of human mental operations developed in cognitive psychology, the cybernetic theory of decision presents a striking picture of how decision makers deal with the intense uncertainty and fundamental value conflicts that arise in bureaucratic politics. To illustrate the advantages of using cybernetic theory, Steinbruner analyzes the issue of sharing nuclear weapons among the NATO allies.

Contents:

Cover Page

Half-title Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication Page

Contents

List of Figures

Preface to the Second Paperback Edition

Preface

Chapter 1. Introduction

Part One: Paradigms of the Decision Process

Chapter 2. The Analytic Paradigm

Chapter 3. The Cybernetic Paradigm

Chapter 4. Cognitive Processes

Chapter 5. Politics and Policy

Part Two: The Politics of Nuclear Sharing: 195 6-1964

Chapter 6. Strains in the Alliance: Genesis of a Two-Value Problem

Chapter 7. The Development of Nuclear Sharing Proposals: 1956-1960

Chapter 8. The Rise of the Multilateral Force: 1961-1963

Chapter 9. Ascendancy and Sudden Death of the Multilateral Force: 1963-1964

Chapter 10. Epilogue: Conclusions and Implications

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

0-691-07559-X

1-4008-2379-X

OCLC:

1261367117