Toward a Reconstruction of Rationality and Beyond: A Transdisciplinary Perspective

Abstract

The project is intended as a contribution to the theory of rationality in planning and, in particular, as a meta-critique of the normative foundations of planning theory. In this effort, I shall consider the problem of rationality decisive for a critical reconstruction of planning theory. This work begins with the premise that all planning actions can be regarded as historical, social and self-reflective practices. My major aim is to provide a synthetic treatment of rationality as a problem in planning theory and practice. There will be one leading theme. - the problem of rationality in planning - recurring throughout the project. Rationality has recently come to the fore as a major concern for many planning theoreticians. Yet the notion of rationality remains confused despite the recent revival of interest generated by a series of theoretical debates on the subject (e.g .. P. Healey. G. McDougall. and M. J. Thomas, 1982; Environment & Planning B: Special Issue on Rationality in Planning. March, 1983; R. Klosterman. 1983; E. Alexander, 1984; M. Breheny and A. Hooper. 1985; among others). It also constitutes the most important subject for some planning theoreticians like Friedmann (1987; Friedmann and Hudson. 1973) and Faludi (1973. 1985). The problem of rationality as a subject-matter has run through most of their discussions on planning theory.