Prof. Angelique Chettiparamb Gives Keynote Address: First Forum of the Chinese Association of Planning History and Theory

Angelique's talk was titled ‘Epistemologies of Planning and Complexity Theory’. It explored ways of knowing in planning and the consequent status of knowledge claims made in planning. The nature of theory building and theory development in the social sciences was discussed especially how research traditions can help. Past and contemporary developments in planning theory suggesting broad epistemological positions were then identified alongside socio-political explanations for the emergence of these epistemologies. The rapid changes that characterize society today were finally highlighted alongside the need for a new epistemology of planning. The rise of complexity theory in planning was discussed in this light. The presentation concluded with ways in which complexity theory is currently developing in planning.