Planning Theory· 2026Q1
Planning as redescription: Toward a neopragmatist theory of planning
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- Q1SCImago
- 2026year
Short summary
This paper proposes a neopragmatist theory, reframing spatial planning not as expert application or optimization, but as a fallibilist practice of negotiating spatial problems through new vocabularies and metaphors.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Spatial planning is characterized by plurality, uncertainty, and conflict, challenging traditional views of expert application or optimization.
- Planning is redescribed as a fallibilist practice of negotiating spatial problems through new vocabularies and metaphors.
- Planning affects life chances by expanding or restricting options and influencing social ligatures (connections).
- A metatheoretical vocabulary is offered to critically reflect on planning's usefulness, limits, conflicts, and side effects.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
This paper outlines a neopragmatist theory of planning. It argues that spatial planning operates under plurality, uncertainty, and conflict and cannot be understood as expert application, means–ends optimization, or consensus production. Following Richard Rorty, planning is redescribed as a fallibilist, legally and democratically legitimized practice of working with vocabularies, metaphors, and redescriptions that make spatial problems, possibilities, and futures negotiable. Drawing on Ralf Dahrendorf, the paper conceptualizes planning as affecting life chances by expanding or restricting options and stabilizing, transforming, or damaging ligatures. It offers a metatheoretical vocabulary for reflecting on planning’s usefulness, limits, conflicts, responsibilities, and side effects.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Planning Theory, 2026 · DOI ↗
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Field: Urban Studies
Urban StudiesSocial Sciences