The thesis presents a framework for addressing the corpus of architectural theory and its conceptual evolution. Part I outlines a general description of the functions of architecture according to five "perspectives" -- precedent, social and economic, perception, climate and physiography, and technology -- that together comprise apparent preoccupations of architectural theory. Here, the assumption is that architecture is both a functional synthesis of these multifarious perspectives, and a reconciliation of objective and subjective polarities found within each perspective. Part II sketches a model of the process by which the structure of these perspectives changes in response to external cultural and internal professional influences. In this process advancement proceeds formally, from a critical appraisal of preceding theoretical approaches, toward programmes designed to solve general classes of problems. Subsequently, when formalism becomes dogmatic, attention is once more directed toward concrete problems, and upon a critique or revision of preceding programmes the process recommences.