EUTOPIA
Inspired by the Positivist philosophical doctrine of Auguste Comte—which advocated that its practitioners pursue altruism, scientific methodology, cultural engagement and acquire multiple fields of expertise—Geddes use of town planning was directed towards creating an ideal society that embodied these principles. He described his contemporary city as being paleotechnic: reliant on industrial machinery, exploiting mineral resources, and congesting the air with smoke and smog. This antiquated technological mindset should be replaced by his vision for a neotechnic approach: various disciplines working in synch to comprehensively appropriate resources using newer technologies, and more efficient production (e.g. using electricity, instead of coal) combined with natural beauty (e.g. an attractive waterfall producing hydroelectric power). This could be achieved, according to Geddes, by encouraging Towns to develop Schools (centers of education and expertise), followed by Cloisters (centers of self-reflection and informed possibilities), with the result of producing a true City which combines all knowledge into a fully functioning, organic combination of synergistic refinement.