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The Philosophy of Design
The Philosophy of Design is an introduction to the fundamental philosophical issues raised by the contemporary practice of design. The first book to systematically examine design from the perspective of contemporary philosophy, it offers a broad perspective, ranging across key philosophical areas such as aesthetics, epistemology, metaphysics and ethics.
The first part of the book explores central issues about the nature of design and its products, and the rationality of design methods. A central theme is that Modernist ideas, such as those offered by Loos and Gropius, provide important responses to these philosophical issues. In the second part of the book, these Modernist ideas serve as touchstones in the exploration of key issues for design, including: the place of aesthetics in design; design's relation to personal expression; the meaning of function; and design's relation to consumerism. The social responsibility of designers, and the impact of design practice on ethical reasoning are also discussed.
Written in an accessible style, The Philosophy of Design presents a new perspective on design and a provocative reassessment of the Modernist legacy. It will engage students and designers with current philosophical debates, helping them to bring into clearer focus the meaning of contemporary design, and its unique challenges and possibilities.
The first part of the book explores central issues about the nature of design and its products, and the rationality of design methods. A central theme is that Modernist ideas, such as those offered by Loos and Gropius, provide important responses to these philosophical issues. In the second part of the book, these Modernist ideas serve as touchstones in the exploration of key issues for design, including: the place of aesthetics in design; design's relation to personal expression; the meaning of function; and design's relation to consumerism. The social responsibility of designers, and the impact of design practice on ethical reasoning are also discussed.
Written in an accessible style, The Philosophy of Design presents a new perspective on design and a provocative reassessment of the Modernist legacy. It will engage students and designers with current philosophical debates, helping them to bring into clearer focus the meaning of contemporary design, and its unique challenges and possibilities.
176 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
February 1, 2019
230216: is it mistaken to have designs on the bicycle on the cover? one of those interesting works that addresses definition, evolution, history, intents, of a certain human project- through engaging philosophical attention to pragmatic core. design on this account is or should or could be everywhere, or at least something to be aware of philosophically...
January 18, 2016
This is a fine survey of philosophy of design -- a snapshot of a rapidly evolving field in its current state. Unlike some surveys, however, the book makes no attempt at neutrality, and is written from a qualifiedly pro-Modernist perspective.
I actually enjoyed the Modernist perspective of this book and found it inspiring precisely because I disagree with so much of it. The ideas are sharply and clearly presented, and it stimulated me to develop my own objections and counterarguments.
If the book has any serious fault it is the inadequate attention it gives to human-centered design, which has been one of the most fertile areas of design practice in the last couple of decades -- and a goldmine of fresh philosophical problems.
I actually enjoyed the Modernist perspective of this book and found it inspiring precisely because I disagree with so much of it. The ideas are sharply and clearly presented, and it stimulated me to develop my own objections and counterarguments.
If the book has any serious fault it is the inadequate attention it gives to human-centered design, which has been one of the most fertile areas of design practice in the last couple of decades -- and a goldmine of fresh philosophical problems.
August 30, 2018
One of the most insightful and enjoyable reads on the subject and there aren’t many. Parsons has a light touch for an academic. Plenty of philosophical issues and ideas to chew on and bring into my own work.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews