LEAN CONSTRUCTION EPISTEMOLOGY: HUMAN-CENTERED INSIGHTS FROM PLATO AND ARISTOTLE

Stanford University, Universidad Panamericana - Guadalajara, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Universidad San Sebastián, Universidad del Bio Bio, Universidad del Bío Bío, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Florida

Type

text::conference output::conference proceedings::conference paper

DOI

10.24928/2026/0309

URL

https://scripta.up.edu.mx/handle/20.500.12552/13125

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to explore how the philosophical ideas of the “Person” and human well-being articulated by the key Greek thinkers, Plato and Aristotle, provide a foundational framework for understanding contemporary approaches to value creation in Lean Construction (LC). By examining Plato’s vision of the human being as oriented toward ideal forms and ethical elevation, alongside Aristotle’s conception of the person as a rational, emotional, and social agent whose flourishing depends on balance and practical wisdom, this study highlights how classical philosophy continues to inform modern notions of comfort, well-being, and ethical practice in the built environment. The article shows how important philosophical concepts, such as Plato’s quest for the ideal good and Aristotle’s emphasis on eudaimonia, harmony, and moral action, align with the tenets of LC, particularly its emphasis on respect for people, ongoing improvement, and the optimization of circumstances to enhance human experience. The primacy of the Human-centered in Lean processes connects with Greek thought, in which well-being, virtue, and correct conduct serve as the basis for any purposeful production. The research provides a conceptual paradigm that integrates Platonic and Aristotelian perspectives on the Person with contemporary management techniques through Lean principles. © 2026, International Group for Lean Construction. All rights reserved.