ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will give a critical account of some key themes of postmodernism 1 that we believe are relevant to planning. This critique focuses primarily on themes posing a clear threat to the possibility of a normative planning theory that can justify liberal planning practices. Our concern is to highlight those places where full-blown postmodernism goes too far in its rejection of modernism. We particularly want to avoid throwing out the liberal “baby” with the scientistic “bath water.” From a pragmatic perspective, this is both possible and reasonable.
