Practical philosophy and space: Foundations for a critical environmental social science.
Item
-
Title
-
Practical philosophy and space: Foundations for a critical environmental social science.
-
Identifier
-
AAI9530860
-
identifier
-
9530860
-
Creator
-
Clark, Helene Augusta.
-
Contributor
-
Adviser: Susan Saegert
-
Date
-
1995
-
Language
-
English
-
Publisher
-
City University of New York.
-
Subject
-
Geography | Psychology, General | Sociology, Theory and Methods | Environmental Sciences
-
Abstract
-
The field of environmental psychology has a practical orientation to the solving of problems in diverse settings. Early theoretical perspectives in the field showed much promise for major contributions to social theory, particularly with the development of the concept of place identity. However, environmental psychology has remained isolated from other social sciences, and has made virtually no impact on social theory outside the field. Nor has it contributed in a systematic way to the creation of better environments.;This dissertation suggests that the field has failed to articulate its epistemological basis, or to provide either a theoretical or philosophical grounding on which to base the normative claims of its research. The result has been a neglect of theoretical development in favor of ad hoc empirical studies, which have not had a cumulative impact on either theory or practice.;Practical philosophy and critical theory can provide an epistemological basis for environmental research which is compatible with the interests of most environmental psychologists in environmental change, psychological and social factors, and interdisciplinary activity. In turn, environmental psychology has something to offer critical social theory, if we take on the development of theory in new, and radically different, ways. The physicality of the world, spatial relationships and the meaning of space and places have not yet been incorporated into many areas of critical theory.;The goal of this dissertation is to reconstruct environmental psychology as a critical environmental social science by (1) explicating its normative content and (2) linking critical theory to theories of built form, space and place.;By engaging in some of the difficult philosophical questions and practical conundrums which are troubling social scientists today, critical environmental social science may emerge with a unique contribution to theory and practice. What better field to effect material change in the world than one with an explicit concern for built form and the creation of place?
-
Type
-
dissertation
-
Source
-
PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
-
degree
-
Ph.D.
