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Planning Rationality and Relativism

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  • D van Houten

    (Center of Interdisciplinary Social Studies, University of Utrecht, Postbus 80140, Heidelberglaan 1, 3508 TC Utrecht, The Netherlands)

Abstract

In traditional planning thought, purposive rationality is a key concept. The assumption is that it reduces uncertainties. Discussion of this positivist planning paradigm is ongoing. Part of the discussion concerns cognitive realism, a key issue in the sociology of knowledge. On the whole, cognitive relativism and purposive rationality are strange bedfellows. Other kinds of rationality pose less of a problem. This paper is an elaboration upon Mannheim's concept of substantial rationality and his related ideas of principia media. His theory of social planning solves some problems by replacing relativism with relationism. The argument of this paper, however, is that relativism in planning can only be solved by a voluntaristic perspective according to which planning is conceived of as ideology.

Suggested Citation

  • D van Houten, 1989. "Planning Rationality and Relativism," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 16(2), pages 201-214, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:16:y:1989:i:2:p:201-214
    DOI: 10.1068/b160201
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