Planning to change the world? Questioning the normative ethics of planning theories

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between epistemology and ethics in planning theory, arguing that while contemporary planning theories increasingly recognise subjective and situated forms of knowledge, work on planning ethics remains largely rooted in normative ethical frameworks. Through a conceptual discussion and an empirical case study from Cape Town, the authors demonstrate how differing interpretations of ethical values such as equity and justice can lead to planning impasses. The paper calls for greater engagement with meta-ethical questions in order to better understand the nature and meaning of ethical judgements in planning practice.