The paper responds to both current socio-economic development and the situation in public finances. It aims to explain why it is worth studying social policy based on expert knowledge of social systems, from which it subsequently derives the options for the design of a rational social policy for a particular country and time. Methodologically, the paper is based on defining the relationship between social policy and related disciplines, 9 Recenzované články and reflects upon contemporary problems in terms of the theoretical principles of social policy, evaluates the role of the state in social policy and explores the logic of various social policy measures. According to the author, whereas instruments based on the narrowest concept of social policy and the implementation of social measures aimed at the socially disadvantaged undoubtedly have a place in social policy, they are (far from) sufficient in most cases for achieving satisfactory results. The author considers the ideal application of the systematic development of social policy to comprise a social doctrine that goes beyond the election period context and represents a general consensus on the future direction of the country’s social policy.