Problem
Multiplicity of problems facing society
Other Names:
Never-ending problems Nature:
In spite of much publicity, the complexity and magnitude of the problems faced by man if he is to survive as a social animal are still only adequately conceived by specialists; they derive not so much from the mere multiplicity and gravity of problems awaiting a solution in the present technological society nor from the frightening series of problems appearing over the horizon, as from the fact that between these multiple problems there exists an incalculable number of inter-relationships which, whether ascertained or not, greatly restrict the range of action open to the policy-maker. It is this situation which has brought about the tendency for the solution of one problem to create a number of new ones, often in fields only distantly related at first sight to the original matter. In particular, this not being fully understood, there is a general disposition to envisage and treat the symptoms of trouble, particularly the more obvious ones such as the various forms of pollution of the environment, rather than to deal with the root cause which is to be found in the inadequacy of the decision-making machinery of society under any form of government presently known. Broader Problems:
General obstacles to problem alleviation Narrower Problems:
Excessive emphasis on fashionable problemsComplex interrelationship of world problems Aggravates:
Consensus trapDisillusionmentOversimplificationCommunity demoralizationUnwillingness to resolve problemsFailure to integrate knowledge to empower humanity in response to the global problematiqueHeadline stress Strategies:
Addressing multiplicity of problems facing societyAccommodating multiplicity of problems facing societyReducing number of problems facing society Values:
MultiplicityProblem Subject(s):
Society → Society Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
F: Fuzzy exceptional problems Date of last update
09.12.2019 – 04:41 CET