Design and Rationalism: A Visualist Critique of Instrumental Rationalism
Abstract
This article presents a visualist theory of design that contrasts with the instrumental rationalism
that dominates the philosophy of design. My critique of rationalism is based on two omnipresent
and paradigmatic phenomena in design: the variety of forms for one single function and the
variety of uses of one form. Instrumental rationalism defines design as a coherent line that runs from
a rational goal to the proper means and proper use of an object. Therefore, this philosophy values
design according to its efficiency. However, the diverse aesthetic forms of design objects and the
creative ways that users engage with them. do not follow the instrumental rational plan, but rather
aesthetic motivations and design’s visual affordance. I argue that the variety of forms of design
objects and emergent uses are often more substantial than rationality in the constitution of design.
Claiming that these encounters are innate to our essence and ontology as visual beings, I offer a
visualist anti-rationalist theory of design and human nature.
Keywords: instrumental rationalism, form, affordance, emergent properties, Visualism