SKU: 86804285365

Rationality and Power: Democracy in Practice

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Rationality and Power: Democracy in Practice"It's like the story of Little Town," an influential actor says in Rationality and Power when choosing a metaphor to describe how he manipulated rationality to gain power, "The bell ringer . . . has to set the church clock. So he calls the telephone exchange and asks what time it is, and the telephone operator looks out the window towards the church clock and says, 'It's five o'clock.' 'Good, ' says the bell ringer, 'then my clock is correct.'" In the

"It's like the story of Little Town," an influential actor says in Rationality and Power when choosing a metaphor to describe how he manipulated rationality to gain power, "The bell ringer . . . has to set the church clock. So he calls the telephone exchange and asks what time it is, and the telephone operator looks out the window towards the church clock and says, 'It's five o'clock.' 'Good, ' says the bell ringer, 'then my clock is correct.'"

In the Enlightenment tradition, rationality is considered well-defined, independent of context; we know what rationality is, and its meaning is constant across time and space. Bent Flyvbjerg shows that rationality is context-dependent and that the crucial context is determined by decision-makers' power. Power blurs the dividing line between rationality and rationalization. The result is a rationality that is often as imaginary as the time in Little Town, yet with very real social and environmental consequences.

Flyvbjerg takes us behind the scenes to uncover the real politics-and real rationality-of policy-making, administration, and planning in an internationally acclaimed project for environmental improvement, auto traffic reduction, land use, and urban renewal. The action takes place in the Danish city of Aalborg, but it could be anywhere. Aalborg is to Flyvbjerg what Florence was to Machiavelli: a laboratory for understanding power and what it means for our more general concerns of social and political organization. Policy-making, administration, and planning are examined in ways that allow a rare, in-depth understanding. The reader is a firsthand witness to the classic, endless drama that defines what democracy and modernity are, and what they can be.

The result is a fascinating narrative that is both concrete and general, current and timeless. Drawing on the ideas of Machiavelli, Nietzsche, Foucault, and Habermas, Flyvbjerg reads the Aalborg case as a metaphor of modernity and of modern politics, administration, and planning. Flyvbjerg uncovers the interplay of power and rationality that distorts policy deliberation. He demonstrates that modern "rationality" is but an ideal when confronted with the real rationalities involved in decision making by central actors in government, economy, and civil society. Flyvbjerg then elaborates on how this problem can be dealt with so that more fruitful deliberation and action can occur.

If the new millennium marks a recurrence of the real, Flyvbjerg's Rationality and Power epitomizes this development, setting new standards for social and political inquiry. Richly informed, powerfully argued, and clearly written, this is a book that no one trying to understand policy-making, administration, and planning can afford to overlook.

"Flyvbjerg employs a wide-ranging intellect, an enthusiastic and persuasive voice, academic rigor, and great discipline to distill years of research into an outstanding and accessible 250-page civics lesson. It begs for a readership outside academic and professional circles . . . Rationality and Power's value is undeniable as a handbook and forensic tool for anyone seeking a better understanding of and access to the democratic process."-Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

"It makes an extremely strong, and to the reviewer's mind incontrovertible, argument for placing the analysis of planning within the context of power relations. As a result it will also make a significant mark on the development of planning theory."-Geographical Journal

"A book that is to be recommended doubly, first to all those engaged in planning and implementation in a democratic context, and also to all those interested in empirical power research. Rationality and Power is rewarding even enthralling reading, a seminal contribution to its field."-European Societies

"This book is a must for a

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SKU: 86804285365

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Brett D. Crowell
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Never Pay Again. Easy and affordable for your health and the vehicle.
Size: For Sonata Gas 2015-2019
Way easier to replace than I thought. I’ve done a cabin filter before, but never the engine air filter. After this, I’ll never pay someone to do it again. I actually went into a store first, and the cabin filter alone was the same price as this set that includes both the cabin and engine filters. Since I needed both, this was a no-brainer. Install was quick and straightforward, even for someone who’s not a "car guy". I can’t speak scientifically on how well they filter, but they’re definitely better than the mouse-destroyed ones that were in this car before. Huge improvement. Highly recommend if you’re looking to save money and do it yourself. They fit well and seemed to be exactly what was needed and expected.
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Quality air filters
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The Honda dealership quoted over $100 for parts alone. I purchased both filters for $25 and they where a perfect fit and easy to install without any tools.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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Luisss
Grantham, US
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Solid 4 stars
Size: For Mazda 3 2019-26|CX-30 19-26|CX-50 23-26
4.5 2025 cx-50 : Cabin filter fit perfect. Engine filter was not as precise , it was a perfect edged rectangle whilst the new filter had round edges, it did fit after all. Way better than paying 100$+ at the dealer. I will come back once I notice any airflow changes & or smells .
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Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2026
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Jeffrey Carver
Natrona Heights, US
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Good Product, But Doesn't Fit All RAV4 Models
Size: For Avalon 19-22|Camry 18-24|19-25 RAV4/ES350, Size: For Avalon 19-22|Camry 18-24|19-25 RAV4/ES350
Both filters seemed to be of high quality, but the engine air filter did not fit in my 2019 RAV4 XSE Hybrid. Please note that ordering this was my mistake -- I didn't realize that the hybrid and gas-only filters were different sizes -- and that StaunchAuto also offers a hybrid version of the kit, which I have just ordered.
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Mr Frosty
Omaha, US
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Good fit, good value
Style: CF12436 Classic, Style: CF12436 Classic
Purchased this filter for my 2023 Outback. First off changing the cabin filter on this model Subaru is amazingly easy and can be done with no tools and no more then 5 minutes. Pictures posted show packaging, the paper "Blue" filter side, the "Black" charcoal side and the foam outer edge. The filter is well made and is very sturdy as the outer shell is plastic vs. other paper filters that are more flexible. Holding the filter in your hand and giving it a slite shake you can hear the activated charcoal within it. After installing the filter I had a few trips in the car, did I notice any difference in the air quality coming into the cabin....... no. But does this mean its not working? also no. What I can say is the filter fit snug and left no gaps, and with the plastic surroundings and foam in sure the filter will not be letting anything get by as it passes through the system. All and all this filter is well made and sturdy, and seems to be a good value with other paper only filters being about the same price.
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