Rational Comprehensive

Rational (Synoptic) Planning
Theory

Meaning of Rationality
What do you understand by Rationality?

Making decision based on reason/logic and in pursuance of one’s best interest
Good judgement

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Evolution of the RationalComprehensive Planning Model
Planning Experiments in the US during the New Deal
Era:
Planning re-defined as a scientific process (based on scientific techniques) and not just a design activity
Based on emerging Keynesian economics
Key Features of the New (Scientific) Kind of Planning: rooted in the collection and examination of data, evaluation of alternative courses of action and the creation of systems for implementation.
03/08/15

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Evolution of the RationalComprehensive Planning Model
Planning Experiments in the US during the New Deal
Era:
Examples of interventions resulting from the New Kind of Planning:
Establishment of the National Resources Planning
Board
the Resettlement Administration
Tennessee Valley Authority

03/08/15

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Evolution of the RationalComprehensive Planning Model
Ideas of Karl Mannheim
Mannheim’s 4 social structures :
1) Dictatorship results from low levels of participation and high levels of centralization
2) Anarchy results from high levels of participation and low levels of centralization
3) Anomie (lack of social/ ethical standards) results from low levels of both participation and centralization
4) A "democratically planned society” results from high levels of both participation and centralization. [Mannheim, K. (1940):
Man and Society in an Age of Reconstruction]
He favoured the 4th structure: "democratically planned society”
03/08/15

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Evolution of the RationalComprehensive Planning Model
Ideas of Karl Mannheim
Mannheim’s caution:
Planners should not over rely on Functional Rationality;
They should demand attention to Substantial Rationality
What do you understand by Functional Rationality and
Substantial Rationality?
Functional Rationality:
• identification of the right (rational) means to achieve a
goal