Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning
Throughout its history, humanity confronted numerous questions and problems and worked out the approach to solve them. We applied analysis to understand the essence of the subject and synthesis to generate the solution of an ideal stance of the particular subject. This approach is widely used in the modern science (Fuller et al 85). However, it presumes that one can shape the final solution based on the data drawn from the analysis.
Rittel et al (155) rises a question of the issues that cannot be solved that easy. Complex issues with social background cannot be solved in one particular way. Moreover, each solution might be solving a part of the issue, however it might as well give a rise to another issues. Rittel et al (162) outline the main aspects of such “wicked” problems:
There is no definitive formulation of wicked problems
No stopping rule for wicked problems
Absence of true/false solutions
No ability to test the solution
Wicked problem are interconnected etc.
Given all this, one cannot outline a standard approach to such problem. Wicked problems do not have a solution in the classical meaning. Settling this type of problems presumes the movement from the current stance to the desired one, which is considered the optimal (Isaksen et al 133). However, whether it is optimal or not, one might identify only once it is reached. In case, it is not optimal there should be further actions made. In general, solution of the wicked problem applies the method of trials and errors. However, no action can be market with “good/bad”. They are all assessed based on their contribution to reaching the desired stance. Therefore, they are likely to be “better/worse” (Chunfang 328). For example, the government might implement a stimulating monetary policy to speed up the economic development of the country, but “cheap” money might trigger the inflation that will decrease the real income of the population and thus cause the deterioration of the living standards (Madura 117). Therefore, a combination of methods should be chosen carefully to reach the goal rather than a preference should be given to a particular approach with others been turned down.
Complex social problems require a special approach. Existing scientific methods cannot be applied to define the best strategy for all cases. Each of such problems is unique. Solution of the wicked problem presumes moving from the reality to the desired stance and formulating this stance is one of the key elements of the solution. Then, one should apply different methods to reach the desired stance and assess these methods as “better/worse” to identify the most effective ones to apply in future. However, it still does not mean that these methods will prove effective in other situations, as all wicked problems are unique.
Works Cited
Fuller, Richard G, Gary W. Kuhne, and Barbara A. Frey. Distinctive Distance Education Design: Models for Differentiated Instruction. Hershey, Pa: Information Science Reference, 2011. Print.
Isaksen, Scott G, K B. Stead-Dorval, and Donald J. Treffinger. Creative Approaches to Problem Solving: A …
