Cognitive development in planning theory

Planning theory is constructed by debates. These debates consist of arguments. The different arguments form patterns. The patterns of arguments within planning theory reflect another existing pattern of argumentation which is present in the philosophy of science, guiding the trends set in thinking. Planning theory is directed by the norm at a particular point in time. This can be seen by the trend of opinions at that point in time. Theorists of planning theory have developed cognitive patterns of what planning and planning theory is, which direct their arguments and debates from their conviction. The cognitive patterns, from which is argued, does not necessarily allow the display of assumptions made. The underlying framework of planning theory has different dimensions consisting of cognitive patterns (vertical – levels of abstraction) and different perspectives (horizontal - ideologies), escapading a rich conceptual network. This underlying structure in planning theory plays an imperative part in the formation of debates and the direction of planning education.