Introduction
Human social life is followed by a significant number of different problems, some of which are difficult or impossible to solve. They include wicked problems, namely issues whose solution is impracticable or obstructed for specific reasons. Most often, the difficulties arise from the fact that resolving one wicked problem can create another.
In other cases, an improvement in one aspect of an issue may lead to deterioration in other aspects. Therefore, an insidious problem has controversial, incomplete, or unstable requirements for its successful solution. The purpose of this paper is to analyze strategies for solving wicked problems and to explore the ethical approaches that can be utilized to address them.
Characteristics of Wicked Problems
Elusiveness
When discussing strategies for resolving wicked issues, it is essential to identify some of the key features of these problems. The main peculiarity is that they do not have specific goals or solutions; in other cases, it is not possible to fully define them. Rittel and Melvin (1973) identified several essential characteristics of insidious problems in their article, which help to understand their nature.
Thus, they do not have a final formulation; that is, wicked issues are not stable in terms of their structure (Rittel & Melvin, 1973). It is influenced by various factors in the surrounding world, including legislation, other social or societal issues, and the territorial aspect. Moreover, real-world constraints negatively impact the process of solving wicked problems, as they hinder the development of safe and reusable solutions.
Subjectivity
The next feature of insidious problems is their subjective nature, namely, based on the concepts of good or bad. However, what is beneficial for one person may be detrimental to another; that is, there is no clear framework, which leads to the next peculiarity: it is impossible to thoroughly test the solution to a complex problem (Rittel & Melvin, 1973). Considering that the resolution of one problem can lead to another, it can only be considered a partial solution at best.
Besides, given the subjectivity of the concepts of good or bad, solving a wicked problem for one person may present a negative aspect for another. Moreover, decision-makers have a significant responsibility in addressing these issues. This is because every decision has consequences for individuals who may face additional difficulties.
Resolving Strategies
Authoritative
Given the complexity and subtlety of understanding insidious problems, there are few effective strategies for their resolution. For example, an authoritative strategy lies in reducing the number of people responsible for solving wicked problems. The idea is that decreasing the number of stakeholders lowers the complexity of the challenge and eliminates competing points of view. However, under this approach, a limited number of people and authorities may require a deeper understanding of all the perspectives and models necessary for a solution.
Competitive
A competitive strategy is effective for solving wicked problems as it takes into account key features of these issues. Namely, the fact that wicked challenges have an unlimited number of solutions and approaches that can be applied (Rittel & Melvin, 1973). A competitive strategy clashes with opposing points of view, whereby one can find a preferred compromise. The efficiency lies in the fact that different solutions can be compared, allowing one to choose the most suitable ones.
Collaborative
Finally, there is also a collaborative strategy, which lies in finding the best option for all parties. Consequently, a reliable environment for exchanging information is created; however, the solutions found may prove too contradictory for one of the parties. It can lead to confrontations and reduce the effectiveness of the process of finding solutions to wicked problems.
Ethical Principles
Honesty
When discussing the ethical principles most suitable for addressing complex problems, it is worthwhile to begin by examining the specifics of these issues. For example, given that wicked problems do not have clear signals about whether they are solved, one may act on the ethical principle of honesty (Rittel & Melvin, 1973). This principle is fundamental in the social aspect, which helps to effectively understand the essence of a complex problem and its solutions. This model includes a process whereby each party is open and honest about the benefits and losses that may arise from a solution. Thus, by analyzing all statements using a collaborative strategy, one can find the most suitable solution for each party.
Competence
The next essential ethical principle in addressing wicked problems is competence. It is connected with the fact that insidious issues are multifaceted, complex, and unique, and can only be explored with the help of certain decisions (Rittel & Melvin, 1973). Thus, the competence of those who make decisions is of the highest priority since the higher the expertise, the better the efficiency will be.
Moreover, the principle of competence contributes to minimizing the negative consequences in case of erroneous decisions. In addition, the principle of adequacy allows one to spend less time analyzing the problem and finding a solution to it. Ultimately, high competence will enhance the effectiveness of the problem description, which in turn contributes to a suitable solution.
Choosing an Optimal Solution
Climate Change Problem
To determine one’s own approach to solving complex challenges, it is necessary to analyze a striking example of such a problem. For instance, climate change is a global wicked problem around the world. This challenge is particularly vexing as it lacks a clear formulation, is a complex and multi-level aspect, and does not have clear signals for a solution. Moreover, improving one aspect of climate change can worsen others or create new insidious problems. In this regard, several possible solutions to a given problem can be highlighted.
First, it is necessary to apply the previously mentioned strategy for solving wicked problems, such as the collaborative principle. Under this principle, the opinions of all stakeholders regarding decision-making, including their benefits and losses, are considered (Rittel & Melvin, 1973). It may take the form of artificial intelligence-based software that determines the degree of loss in connection with the decision and the degree of benefits to society.
For example, in the aspect of climate change, it can be articulated as a constraint for industrial companies. Further, the program determines the degree of losses for each company and compares it with the benefit the world community will receive. Additionally, the software will consider personal needs to ensure the effective performance of the company and explore alternative solutions.
Therefore, it will be similar to existing commissions on climate change and business action. However, this approach would be more efficient given the AI-based software. One can specify a large number of parameters and conditions to be considered. After that, the software creates the fairest restriction option, taking into account the business’s characteristics, profit, and the degree of impact on the climate. Thus, based on artificial intelligence and a deep analysis of multiple factors, one can solve wicked problems.
Prison Management
An example of an insidious issue in criminal justice is prisons, namely, the maintenance of criminals and funding. In some cases, criminals face inhuman conditions in prisons and racial and gender issues. It formulates a wicked problem since, similarly to climate change, it has a multi-layered and unstable nature. Therefore, the prison issue should be addressed in accordance with the ethical principles of respect for human rights and human dignity. Methods of punishing and holding criminals should be reviewed and based on justice. Depending on the crime committed, the person should receive a fair punishment; however, they should not face inhuman conditions or inequality.
Conclusion
To conclude, wicked problems formulate a significant barrier to the normal social life of various segments of the population. These problems are challenging to solve as they are multifaceted and unstable. Moreover, it is problematic to determine the essence and main causes of wicked challenges, which leads to the impossibility of developing leveling strategies.
Examples of such problems include global climate change and the prison system in the field of criminal justice. The solution to wicked problems can be software-based on artificial intelligence. It will help to effectively analyze the essence and nature of the problem, as well as create a fair solution. Finally, it aligns with the recommended strategy for solving wicked problems, namely, a collaborative approach.
Reference
Rittel, H. W., & Melvin, W. M. (1973). ‘Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning’. Policy Sciences, 4(2), 155-169.