ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book disputes the view that "value free" planning is possible and argues that planning is inherently normative. It discusses the attributes of an ideal process of decisionmaking by public policymakers and considers the conflicting obligations which decisionmakers have when they face real choices. The book examines the conditions, opportunities, rules, and procedures which invite or discourage corrupt behavior in planning and zoning organizations. It develops a conceptual model of institutional settings which foster and discourage corruption. The book provides an overview of the issue, its ethical dimensions, and practical considerations. It investigates the relationship between the views of utilitarian philosophy and cost-benefit analysis. The book points out that similar problems of orientation and valuation arise when forecasting population, economic activity, travel, and other policy variables commonly used by planners.
