Items related to Rationality and Power – Democracy in Practice...
Synopsis
In the Enlightenment tradition, rationality is considered well-defined, independent of context; we know what rationality is, and its meaning is constant across time and space. However, Bent Flyvbjerg argues that rationality is context-dependent and that the crucial context is determined by decision-makers' political power. Flyvbjerg takes us behind the scenes to uncover the real politics - and real rationality - of public administration and planning in an internationally acclaimed project for environmental improvement in the Danish city of Aalborg. The result is a narrative that is both concrete and general, current and timeless. Drawing on the ideas of Machiavelli, Nietzsche, Habermas, and Foucault, Flyvbjerg reads the Aalborg case as a metaphor of modernity and of modern politics. Flyvbjerg shows how power actually distorted policy deliberation over a policy aimed at, among other things, reducing auto traffic in downtown Aalborg. He demonstrates how modern "rationality" can only be an ideal when confronted with the real rationalities involved in decision-making by administrators and policy makers. Flyvbjerg then elaborates on how this problem can be avoided so that fruitful deliberation and action can occur.
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From the Back Cover
"[Flyvbjerg] has written a text which marries incisive and illuminating conceptual analysis with detailed empirical research into a particular case ... I am highly impressed ... Rationality and Power will make a real contribution to the Anglo-Saxon debate."
STEVEN LUKES, PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY, NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
"Impressive in its detail and comprehensiveness rare for an issue of this kind, perhaps unique."
ROBERT A. DAHL, STERLING PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, YALE UNIVERSITY
"I have read and reread this book. It is superb, a real breakthrough, and will be a classic in its field."
C. ROLAND CHRISTENSEN, ROBERT WALMSLEY UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR, HARVARD UNIVERSITY
"I know no other work with this level of detail. There is a need of knowledge of exactly the issues covered."
ARNE NĘSS, PROFESSOR, CENTRE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT, OSLO UNIVERSITY
"A brilliant, provocative blending of empirical research and political philosophy."
JOHN FRIEDMANN, HONORARY PROFESSOR OF PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
"Showing how power corrupts not only character but public discourse, how bluffing and deception dis-place sound argument, how rationalization displaces rationality, Flyvbjerg provides the best Habermasian example of systematically distorted commu-nications that I know of."
JOHN FORESTER, PROFESSOR OF PLANNING, CORNELL UNIVERSITY
"Rationality and Power is a really fine demonstration of the value of in-depth 'storytelling' ... and it engages with some of the most important social scientific and philosophical literatures of our day ... I anticipate that it will be very widely used."
PATSY HEALEY, PROFESSOR OF TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING, UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE
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