The Design Process. Social Planning and Decision-Making Logic

Abstract

The concept of rationality is one of the central issues not only of philosophical reflection, but also of sociological theory. From a sociological perspective, the rationality is seen through human action that produces socially relevant effects. Both in terms of social planning and in the logic of decisions, the rationality stands as a general theory of design praxis, an organic set of criteria constantly aimed at an innovative action that should ultimately help us to generate a fruitful relationship between critical consciousness and planning consciousness. Planning thus becomes the alternative to the abstract utopia of ideal models and should take responsibility for transforming what is just virtual into reality. In this way, following a model of reflective conversation with the planning situation, it would become the guiding factor of social life. This type of design, however, should be carried out with the involvement of individuals and their communities. On the basis of these premises, the present essay seeks to deepen the contents of planning in the transition from forms to absolute rationality to the expressions of dialogical design.