Seeing Like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

摘要: In this wide-ranging and original book, James C. Scott analyzes failed cases of large-scale authoritarian plans in a variety fields. He argues that centrally managed social derail when they impose schematic visions do violence to complex interdependencies are not -- cannot be fully understood. Further the success designs for organization depends on recognition local, practical knowledge is as important formal, epistemic knowledge. The author builds persuasive case against "development theory" imperialistic state planning disregards values, desires, objections its subjects. And discussing these disasters, he identifies four conditions common them all: state's attempt administrative order nature society; high-modernist ideology believes scientific intervention can improve every aspect human life; willingness use power effect innovations; prostrate civil society effectively resist such plans.