Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Thot bubbled #45
People often say what Planners do is very theoretical and far-removed from ground realities. In fact, people often say theory is all crap and best kept aside. I think the reason reality is so different from theory is precisely that. If you pay enough attention to theory and find the right ways to apply it and create a more optimum reality, theory will not be confined to just theory. Theory is only theory because we're encouraged by lazy people to forget it when dealing with reality. Theoretically speaking, I may be wrong about this. How about a reality check?
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5 comments:
A theory exists only to explain the facts. If it doesn't do that job, it's time to move on to the next one.
A theory rightly applied, on the other hand, can give us clues as to where to look for answers.
But the important point to remember is that it's only a map - it cannot create reality, it only points to it.
I agree. In which case why do people love to say theory is useless? I guess the same reason most people find it very hard to read maps: laziness. No?
I guess the reason why we love to lament about theory is the inaccurate and slow=-responsive information systems we use.
A map is a really good analogy. A map is useful as long as it represents the land - but when the territory changes and the map doesn't (or there is a lag), you can expect frustration when you consult the same old map.
The problem really is that things are changing so rapidly that our 'maps' are barely keeping up and our assimilation of those maps is lagging. So, we find it easier then to blame theory for lagging behind, when it is we who are lagging behind.
A column I wrote recently about Wikipedia illustrates one strategy to counter this rapid rise of information - be the seekers and verifiers of the truth ourselves rather than relying on map-makers.
I've read that paper. Liked it. I think people should stop dissing theory. It's the easy thing to do. The challenge is to find ways to apply, upgrade and use theory better to create a better reality.
Theories are a premise to start understanding and explaining events & occurences. They offer guidelines to understand / explain these. We have to build on and work according to guidelines. It is easier to deny theories than to acknowledge and build on them. Therefore, theories are easily rejected than revered. Its a combination of lack of respect for others and their intellect and laziness.
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