AQI revisioned: a critical realism approach to transforming air pollution

IF 2.3 Q3 REGIONAL & URBAN PLANNING
Foresight Pub Date : 2022-07-13 DOI:10.1108/fs-06-2021-0129
Thasanawan Boonmavichit
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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present the case for critical realism (CR) as a framework in steering the anticipatory and participatory activities an appropriate analysis of complex problems, aiming toward a transformative change. Design/methodology/approach Through observation, interview and facilitation for Circular Design Lab and Thai Clean Air Network, this paper unpacks their foresight activities, their key findings and subsequently connects to the Morphogenesis analysis based on an alternative foresight epistemology of CR. Findings Foresight based on CR philosophy provides a deeper understanding of the complexity and invisibility of air pollution issues in Thailand. Acknowledging the transitive reality beyond this study’s perception, the activity design applies the iceberg models to investigate problem framing and illustrate the stratified reality in three domains: the empirical based on emission reports and legislative regulations; the actual based on patterns of farmers practice and industrial development, activated by causal mechanisms; the real based on structural and mental models, driven by cultural and belief systems in Thailand. At the bottom layer of the iceberg, the real lies the generative mechanisms of pre-existing structural and cultures that constrain Thai citizen from acting on social change. Research limitations/implications CR’s emancipatory theory provides an immanent critique towards social improvement by illustrating comprehensive causal explanations of complex problems such as air pollution; while morphogenesis theory elaborates on the unconscious domination of the existing social structures, agencies, and cultures. Thus, the ethical inquiry of CR research is committed to the emancipation of false beliefs and creating conditions for “human prosperity”. However, this non-neutral value commitment is debated in the futures studies field. Practical implications The anticipatory activities on air pollution in Thailand bring to light the reality of power and oppression beyond human perception and illustrate the connection to the belief systems and its consequential action or lack thereof in dealing with the issues. The insight to power relationship provides an unconventional way to empower citizens in creating transformative change. Originality/value Modern foresight practice has developed under western cultures and societies. Recent efforts are made to investigate the epistemology underlying this field, for the future issues are ever more complex and interrelated across multiple sectors. This requires this study’s consideration of the meaning of knowledge and knowing, influencing the research paradigm. This paper proposes CR as a suitable foresight approach to emancipate this study from the widely accepted epistemologies and examine this study’s presupposition about social reality by a philosophical explanation based on the elements of ontology, causation, structure and persons.
修订的空气质量指数:改变空气污染的批判现实主义方法
目的本文旨在提出批判现实主义(CR)作为指导预期和参与活动的框架,对复杂问题进行适当分析,以实现变革。设计/方法论/方法通过对循环设计实验室和泰国清洁空气网络的观察、采访和协助,揭示了他们的前瞻活动,他们的主要发现,并随后与基于CR的替代前瞻认识论的形态发生分析相联系。基于CR哲学的芬丁斯前瞻使我们对泰国空气污染问题的复杂性和隐蔽性有了更深入的理解。活动设计承认了超出本研究认知范围的可传递现实,应用冰山模型研究问题框架,并在三个领域说明了分层现实:基于排放报告和立法法规的实证;基于农民实践和产业发展模式的实际,由因果机制激活;真实的基于结构和心理模型,由泰国的文化和信仰体系驱动。在冰山的底层,真正的问题在于先前存在的结构和文化的生成机制,这些机制限制了泰国公民对社会变革采取行动。研究局限性/含义CR的解放理论通过对空气污染等复杂问题的全面因果解释,为社会进步提供了内在的批判;而形态发生理论则阐述了对现有社会结构、机构和文化的无意识支配。因此,CR研究的伦理探究致力于解放虚假信仰,为“人类繁荣”创造条件。然而,这种非中性价值承诺在期货研究领域却存在争议。实际含义泰国关于空气污染的预期活动揭示了人类感知之外的权力和压迫的现实,并说明了与信仰体系的联系及其在处理这些问题时的相应行动或缺乏。洞察权力关系为公民创造变革提供了一种非传统的方式。独创性/价值现代远见实践是在西方文化和社会的影响下发展起来的。最近的努力是研究这一领域的认识论,因为未来的问题在多个领域越来越复杂和相互关联。这就需要本研究对知识和认识的意义进行思考,影响研究范式。本文提出CR作为一种合适的前瞻性方法,将本研究从广泛接受的认识论中解放出来,并通过基于本体论、因果关系、结构和人等要素的哲学解释来检验本研究对社会现实的预设。
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来源期刊
Foresight
Foresight REGIONAL & URBAN PLANNING-
CiteScore
5.10
自引率
5.00%
发文量
45
期刊介绍: ■Social, political and economic science ■Sustainable development ■Horizon scanning ■Scientific and Technological Change and its implications for society and policy ■Management of Uncertainty, Complexity and Risk ■Foresight methodology, tools and techniques
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