Publisher's Synopsis
The critical theory of communicative action holds great potential for the renewal of planning theory. Professor Sager applied Jürgen Habermas?s critical theory to: reformulate central themes of mainstream planning theory; characterize power relations and modes of conflict management in a dialogue/calculus perspective; link dilemmas of power, emancipation and conflict to a theory of cumulative irrationality in planning; examine responsiveness and flexibility as qualities of immediate importance to the planning of controversial projects. Sager examines the consequences for planning theory of acknowledging communicative rationality, thus opening for the possibility that both means and ends may be rationally selected. He clarifies the implications of appealing to dialogue, responsiveness, and correction of communicative distortions when planning in the face of power and conflict. The exposition is kept in close contact with well-known planning theories like the synoptic and incremental modes and John Forrester?s 'critical pragmatism' and is a valuable companion to introductory textbooks.
