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Sourcing problem‐dissolving questions
Author(s) -
Metcalfe Mike
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
systems research and behavioral science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1099-1743
pISSN - 1092-7026
DOI - 10.1002/sres.569
Subject(s) - argument (complex analysis) , epistemology , set (abstract data type) , perspective (graphical) , management science , soft systems methodology , sociology , computer science , philosophy , information system , engineering , artificial intelligence , programming language , management information systems , biochemistry , chemistry , electrical engineering
The purpose of this paper is to encourage thinking about the source of questions helpful for problem dissolving. The approach taken is that of generating a range of different perspectives from which to source these questions. Specifically, the paper will argue that problem‐dissolving questions need to be sourced from a related set of perspectives. The perspective‐shifting literature drawn upon includes Dewey, Marx, Ackoff, Churchman, Mason, Mitroff, Linstone, Checkland and Ulrich. They discuss systems thinking relevant for human activity in terms of concepts like purpose, boundary, connectivity and argument. These are used as an example of an interrelated set of perspectives that can be used to source questions. A second example, more focused on Dewey and Linstone, is also presented, along with a suggestion to use collaborative problem picturing to further generate questions and an appreciation of the perspectives. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.