Abstract
This paper presents and discusses a model for environmental decision making. The model defines ends, means, subjects, objects and contexts in relation to particular decisions, and hence in relation to particular problems. This entails definition that is flexible with regard to content—for example, whether a particular entity is subject or object. To improve understanding of the limits of applied knowledge, likely types and levels of ignorance regarding ends, means, subjects, objects, and contexts are discussed. This provides guidance to the selection of appropriate means for defining and addressing environmental problems.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Albaek, E. (1989–90). Policy evaluation: design and utilization.Knowledge in Society, 2, 6–19.
Alexander, C. (1979).The timeless way of building. New York: Oxford University Press.
Alexander, C., Davis, H., Martinez, J. and Corner, D. (1985).The production of houses. New York: Oxford University Press.
Altman, I. and Chemers, M. (1980).Culture and environment. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Beach, L.R. (1990).Image theory: decision making in personal and organizational contexts. Chichester: Wiley.
Brookfield, S.D. (1987).Developing critical thinkers. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Brundtland, G.H. (1987).Our common future. 1st ed. The World Commission on Environment and Development. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Coldicutt, S. (1986). The 1:1.5 myth.Science and Architectural Form (pp. 11.1–11.16), Proc.ANZAScA Conference, New Zealand: University of Auckland.
Coldicutt, S. (1990/91). Flexible climates: energy and ignorance in human environment.PAPER (People and Physical Environmental Research), 34/35, 7–15.
Coldicutt, S., Williamson, T.J. and Penny, R.E.C. (1991). Thermal preference methodology: information for designers.Architectural Science Review, 34, 85–93.
Coldicutt, S. and Williamson, T.J. (1990). Looking down the wrong end of the telescope.Knowledge-creation, diffusion, utilization, 12, 124–140.
Coldicutt, S. and Williamson, T.J. (in press). Concepts of solar energy use for climate control in buildings.Energy Policy.
Connelly, M. (1990). Dueling definitions.Knowledge-creation, diffusion, utilization, 12, 141–169.
Foucault, M. (1984). Politics and ethics: an interview. In Rabinow, P. (Ed.)The Foucanlt reader. New York: Pantheon Books.
Freedberg, D. (1989).The power of images. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Gergen, K.J. (1986). Correspondence versus autonomy in the language of understanding human action. In Fiske, D.W. and Schweder, R.A. (Eds.)Metatheory in social science (pp. 136–162). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Gibson, J.J. (1979).The ecological approach to visual perception. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
Gould, P. (1986). Allowing, forbidding, but not requiring: a mathematic for a human world. In Casti, J.L. and Karlqvist, A. (Eds.),Complexity, language and life: mathematical approaches (pp. 1–20). Berlin: Springer-Verlag.
Honikman, B. (1980). Personal construct theory and environmental evaluation. In Broadbent, G.; Bunt, R. and Llorens, T. (Eds.),Meaning and behaviour in the built environment (pp. 79–91). Chichester and New York: Wiley.
Kirk, S.J. and Spreckelmeyer, K.F. (1988).Creative design decisions: a systematic approach to problem solving in architecture. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Lang, J. (1987).Creating architectural theory. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.
Loftness, V., Hartkopf, V. and Mill, P. (1989). In Preisser, W. (Ed.),Building evaluation (pp. 149–166). New York and London: Plenum Press.
Maslow, A.H. (1954).Motivation and personality. New York: Harper and Row.
Nerlich, G. (1989).Values and valuing: speculations on the ethical life of persons. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Norberg-Schulz, C. (1980).Meaning in western architecture. Revised Edition. London: Studio Vista.
Polkinghorne, D.E. (1983).Methodology for the human sciences. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Polkinghorne, D.E. (1988).Narrative knowing and the human sciences. Albany: State University of New York Press.
Popper, K.R. (1952).The open society and its enemies. 2d ed. London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
Quade, E.S. (1975).Analysis for public decisions. New York: Elsevier.
Reader’s Digest. (1962).The Reader’s Digest great world atlas. 1st ed., 2d revision. London: The Reader’s Digest Association Ltd.
Rickman, H.P. (1990). Science and hermeneutics.Philosophy of the Social Sciences, 20, 295–316.
Smithson, M. (1988).Ignorance and uncertainty: emerging paradigms. New York: Springer-Verlag.
Steptoe, A. and Appels, A. (1989).Stress, personal control and health. Chichester: Wiley.
Studer, R.G. (1988). Design of the built environment: the search for usable knowledge. In Huttman, E. and Van Vliet, W. (Eds.),Handbook of housing and the built environment in the United States (pp. 73–96). New York: Greenwood Press.
Teymur, N. (1982).Environmental discourse. London: ?uestion Press.
Walmsley, D.J. (1988).Urban living. New York: Longman Scientific and Technical.
Wehrli, R. (1986).Environmental design research: how to do it and how to apply it. New York: Wiley.
Weiss, C.H. and Bucuvalas, M.J. (1980).Social science research and decision-making. New York: Columbia University Press.
Weiskel, T.C. (1991). Urbanization: a doomed experiment?Ecodecision, December, 16–21.
Weiss, J.A. (1989). The powers of problem definition: the case of government paperwork.Policy Sciences, 22, 97–121.
Williamson, T.J., Coldicutt, S. and Penny, R.E.C. (1991). Aspects of thermal preferences in housing in a hot humid climate, with particular reference to Darwin, Australia.International Journal of Biometerorology, 34, 251–258.
Young, J. (1990).Post environmentalism. London: Belhaven Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
where she teaches in architectural science and design, and is also concerned with broader environmental education. With colleagues, she has been involved for ten years on research into thermal performance of buildings, thermal and other preferences of occupants, and the application of environmental and human sciences in decision making.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Coldicutt, S. Ignorance and knowledge regarding humans’ purposeful interventions in environments. Knowledge and Policy 5, 3–28 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692803
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02692803