Making Planning Theory Real
Date
2014
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Planning Theory
Abstract
This article argues that contemporary planning theory is underpinned by an anti-realist ontology that has eroded its capacity to engage meaningfully with the materiality of space. The article draws on the experience of the author as a planner in a large city in the global South to illustrate the limits of planning theory. It argues that the ‘southwards turn’ in planning theory has expanded the reach of planning theory but that more is needed. The article then considers the possibility that a new body of philosophical thought known as ‘speculative realism’ may provide an antidote to this anti-realism and support sustained engagement with the objects of planning’s concern.
Description
Keywords
Anti-realism || global south || materiality || ontology || planning || speculative realism
Citation
Harrison, P. 2014. Making planning theory real. Planning Theory, 13(1), 65-81.