Applying the Basic Principles of Cognitive Science to the Standard State Zoning Enabling Act

Abstract

Cognitive Science studies cognition by examining problem-solving, establishing general conceptual tools and guidelines by which novices may become experts. Available to problem-solvers of all disciplines, including legislators, these tools offer a means for evaluating legislation. For example, by using these tools to assess the problem-solving effort in Euclidean zoning as embodied in the Standard State Zoning Enabling Ad, it becomes clear that this Act could be improved in several ways: first, by shifting more of tlie decision-making power to those with the most experience; and, second, by mitigating the electoral and judicial constraints upon these decision-makers. These steps will ensure that Euclidean zoning, as a problem-solving process with distinct phases, represents an effedive problem-solving effort.