ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book aims to make the case that everyone plans and that they do this in ways well captured by a pragmatist approach to inquiry. The often restrictive and exclusive limits of rationality need not be imposed on the practical inquiry that people use as they make plans. The book describes how to make pragmatic spatial plans that address the challenges of urban complexity. Professional planners, engineers, architects, managers and administrators who face these problems daily will find support for the insights common sense often provides facing the limits of rational expertise. The book shows how pragmatist planning can release professional advisors and public officials from contemporary conventions that exalt rationality and expertise as theoretical foundations for practical insight and improvement.