I too find comfort in frameworks and one of the mo...

2010-01-09T01:59:58.927+02:00

I too find comfort in frameworks and one of the most fascinating classes I took in grad school was a class in Problem Solving and Decision Making because we actually broke down the different methods of looking at problems, including ethical ones.

You’re right in your conclusion because there is a big difference between complicated problems and complex ones. Complicated problems can be broken down and solved with analysis (scientific thinking), but complex problems can’t be broken down because they exist where things interact and involve relationships and meanings. Complex problems are “solved” through synthesis (design thinking). I put the “solved” in quotes because often it’s not a solution you come up. You either use design to eliminate the problem (dissolve it) or you come up with a “satisficing” solution (good enough).

I wanted to share the ethical problem solving model I learned because I’d never had anyone show me a way to logically puzzle out an ethical crisis.

It roughly follows the “General Normative Linear Problem Solving Strategy,” so I will outline that first:

1.Define the problem (current vs. desired state and who perceives this as a problem?)
2.Set criteria (objectives) – should be objective, measurable, and describe what has to be met by a solution
3.Generate possible choices (options) – generate ideas (do NOT evaluate)
4.Make a choice – pick something by comparing each option (Step 3) to each objective (step 2)
5.Consider implementation of the choice(s): Ability x Motivation x Knowledge (notice it is multiplicative so that if any is 0, the whole thing is 0)
6.Consider contingency plans (plan B) – also consider measures of success

Instead of objectives and options, the ethical problem solving strategy deals with rights and obligations. Human beings have rights (chairs do not), but with every right comes an obligation to allow for the rights of others. There is also an order with certain rights being higher than others. When you join a company (or the military) you join a social contract with certain roles have rights and certain roles have obligations.

So here is the “Normative ethical strategy”

1.Identify the stakeholders (primary and external)
2.Examine the rights and obligations – what right does each stakeholder have and what obligation does each stakeholder have?
3.List ALL possible options/choices/solutions (be creative)
4.Make a choice – the strategy is to have the objective and the choice meet the obligations and you have to try to find a solution that meets ALL obligations. If you can’t meet all your obligations, you’re choice is often to do nothing.

The thing about ethical decisions is you often have to get REALLY creative to meet all your obligations. It’s not a perfect strategy, but just learning that there was actually a way to go about logically laying out a strategy to attack a knotty problem was really cool to me. Not sure if it’s a way to go about fighting a war, but might be a fun way to look at some of these problems and see what kind of creative solutions come out.

I, too, was fascinated at Kennedy's handling o...

2010-01-01T16:12:04.971+02:00

I, too, was fascinated at Kennedy's handling of this and the issues it raised...from the internal dynamics of EXCOM, to Kennedy's personal relationship with his generals, it's amazing how the fate of the world rested on the shoulders of one personality. I definitely want to check out this book. Thanks!

Comments on Building Peace: What I'm Reading: Essence of Decision

I too find comfort in frameworks and one of the mo...

I, too, was fascinated at Kennedy's handling o...