Dilemmas in general theory of planning Cover Image

Dylematy ogólnej teorii planowania
Dilemmas in general theory of planning

Author(s): Melvin M. Webber, Horst W. J. Rittel
Subject(s): Economy
Published by: Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Krakowie we współpracy z Wydawnictwem Naukowym Scholar
Keywords: theory of planning; wicked problems; tame problems; social problems; professionals; solutions; postindustrial society

Summary/Abstract: Th e search for scientifi c bases for confronting problems of social policy is bound to fail, because of the naturę of these problems. Th ey are “wicked” problems, whereas science has developed to deal with “tame” problems. Policy problems cannot be defmitively described. Moreover, in a pluralistic society there is nothing like the undisputable public good; there is no objective defi nition of eąuity; policies that respond to social problems cannot be meaningfully correct or false; and it makes no sense to talk about “optimal solutions” to social problems unless severe ąualifi cations are imposed fi rst. Even worse, there are no „solutions” in the sense of defłnitive and objective answers.

  • Issue Year: 2014
  • Issue No: 27
  • Page Range: 77-93
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Polish