The Aristotelian proto-theory of design

Koskela, LJ; Codinhoto, R; Tzortzopoulos Fazenda, P; Kagioglou, M

Abstract

In comparing deliberation to the analysis of a geometrical figure, Aristotle made a highly significant theoretical statement on design, which has largely gone unnoticed. Through an interpretation of the accounts given by Aristotle and the Greek geometer Pappus, seven features of the method of analysis can be identified, concerning the types of analysis, its stages, its start and end points, the types of reasoning involved, the relation of the two directions of reasoning, the strategy of reasoning and the targeted outcomes. This proto-theory is compared to the current theoretical landscape of design; also it is applied to clarify a current approach to conceptual design. Based on all this, the proto-theory as a theory of design is evaluated. It is concluded that the proto-theory fulfills several of the functions of a theory in a superior and fertile way. Thus, this proto-theory is not only of historical interest, but - still - provides a contribution to the theoretical knowledge on design.

Citation

Koskela, L., Codinhoto, R., Tzortzopoulos Fazenda, P., & Kagioglou, M. (2014). The Aristotelian proto-theory of design. In A. Chakrabarti, & L. Blessing (Eds.), An Anthology of Theories and Models of Design: Philosophy, Approaches and Empirical Explorations. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6338-1_14

• Publication Date: Mar 31, 2014
• Deposit Date: Jan 8, 2014
• Publisher: Springer
• Book Title: An Anthology of Theories and Models of Design: Philosophy, Approaches and Empirical Explorations
• ISBN: 9781447163374
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6338-1_14
• Keywords: Design Philosophy - Design Theory and Models - Empirical Design Research, Engineering Design Process, Product Development
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6338-1_14
• Related Public URLs: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4471-6338-1
• Additional Information: Additional Information : 122 illus., 31 illus. in color