Practice Through a Lens: A Metaphor for Planning Theory

Abstract

The metaphor of planning theory as a lens through which to analyze practice can assist inI defining an appropriate role for planning theory. This metaphor is not new to planning, and its previous use by theorists is shown to be both explicit and implicit. The objective of this paper is to consolidate and extend the metaphor of planning theory as a lens, with the primary concern being to provide assistance to planning educators, students, and researchers in approaching planning theory. The lens metaphor is also contended as a useful construct in crafting a sense of community in the face of calls for theoretical diversity in planning theory.