The document discusses theories of public policymaking and decision making. It notes that historically, theorists viewed policymaking as rational and linear, but more recent models recognize it is often ambiguous and unpredictable. These newer models include Lindblom's concept of "muddling through," which views decision making as incremental, and March and Olsen's "garbage can" theory, which sees it as unpredictable and influenced by problems, solutions, participants and choices coming together by chance. The document advocates recognizing the complex realities of the policy process and embracing ambiguity and uncertainty rather than assuming a rational order.