ABSTRACT
Scientific thinking distinguishes theoretical knowledge (episteme) and technical or practical knowledge (techne). 1 Theoretical knowledge is of general laws formulated in mathematical or logical language; and technical knowledge concerns the application of these general laws for the purpose of attaining some practical end. Theory in this context is seen as a compendium of the general laws that are explanatory of an observed phenomenon; and practice is the application of these pre-given laws, codified as a sequential method. General theoretical laws translate into rules of procedure. Applying these concepts to designing, theoretical design knowledge is the knowledge of the design process formulated in design rules, grammars and formulae; and design practice is the methodical and step-by-step application of these formulations in order to produce a design.
