Dear Anthony,
I agree that design theories should not be constructed within positivist
frame of reference (what people call "scientific" by mistake). There is
enough hints that the creation of design theories might require the
construction of a new paradigm (I doubt that it is possible to
plan and purpusefully pursue the construction of new paradigms).
I doubt that the critical theory frame of reference can help designing
better design theories. The critical theory inspired social practices in
the former communist countries were total failures. The emancipatory
stance have created situations of subjectivity and bias that skewed the
goal structure of social planning, intervention, and design.
I would be very cautious using critical theory and indeed, I am very
critical of critical theory. But this is not the time for such a talk.
Again, the solution is somewhere in a completely new dimension, and if I
am not a dreamer, we have to construct this new dimension (way of
thinking) ourselves.
Regards,
Lubomir Popov, Ph.D.
On Fri, 6 Aug 1999, Anthony Dunne wrote:
>
> I find the current discussion on design theory really interesting and would
> like to add another angle.
>
> It seems to me that the assumption in this thread so far, is that we need a
> sort of scientific theory of design to help us design better, but another
> possibility is to develop critical theories of design that might allow
> designers to adopt more radical social roles and political positions through
> their practice.
>
> In The Idea of a Critical Theory. (Cambridge: Cambridge U.P. 1981) Geuss
> writes:
>
> 'Scientific theories have as their aim or goal successful manipulation of
> the external world; they have instrumental use. If correct, they enable the
> agents who have mastered them to cope effectively with the environment and
> thus pursue their chosen ends successfully. Critical theories aim at
> emancipation and enlightenment, at making agents aware of hidden coercion,
> thereby freeing them from that coercion and putting them in a position to
> determine where their true interests lie'. ( p55-56)
>
> I would be really interested to hear what others have to say about this
> distinction between scientific and critical theories in relation to design.
> And, if anyone knows of any research being carried out into relationships
> between design and political ideology.
>
> Thank you and best wishes,
>
>
>
>
> Anthony Dunne
>
>
> Senior Tutor
> Industrial & Furniture Design
> Royal College of Art
> Kensington Gore
> London SW7 2EU
> UK
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
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