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How to cut across the catch-all? A philosophical-cultural framework for assessing sustainability

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  • Han Vandevyvere

Abstract

The manner in which the sustainable performance of a complex system can be assessed continues to be the focus of many discussions. This paper builds on efforts to use multimodal system analysis for describing sustainable functioning. Initial research was conducted in the contexts of system sciences and urban planning, but the resulting method is estimated to have a wider potential for application. The Dutch philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd’s original theory of modal law-spheres, which forms the basis for multimodal system analysis, is reconsidered. His theory facilitates a deepened insight into the difference between expressed sustainability definitions. In addition to an analysis in terms of modal aspects of sustainable functioning, the value-driven trade-offs that occur within modal spheres need addressing. The multimodal method is therefore confronted with the analytical categories of the Cultural Theory. Combining both efforts thus results in a two-dimensional analytical grid that accounts for intermodal connectivity and intra-modal oppositions.

Suggested Citation

  • Han Vandevyvere, 2011. "How to cut across the catch-all? A philosophical-cultural framework for assessing sustainability," International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 5(4), pages 403-424.
    • Handle: RePEc:ids:ijisde:v:5:y:2011:i:4:p:403-424
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    Cited by:

    1. Han Vandevyvere & Sven Stremke, 2012. "Urban Planning for a Renewable Energy Future: Methodological Challenges and Opportunities from a Design Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 4(6), pages 1-20, June.
    2. Han Vandevyvere & Dirk Ahlers & Annemie Wyckmans, 2022. "The Sense and Non-Sense of PEDs—Feeding Back Practical Experiences of Positive Energy District Demonstrators into the European PED Framework Definition Development Process," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-16, June.

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