Wicked Problems Like Inequality, Sustainability & Climate Change: What's the Right Thing to Do?

Catalog description

Many of the most pressing problems facing humankind, like inequality, sustainability & climate change, are known as Wicked Problems; they are complex with many interconnected components, are difficult to clarify or define, involve different stakeholders with very different views, and often are intertwined with other major problems. They require working within a social and ethical context because their resolution typically requires individual and institutional change, and they are relentless; Wicked Problems can't be solved "once and for all." It is easy to feel overwhelmed by such problems, as if little can be done. Yet there are ways to work proactively and effectively on such problems, 'living your solutions locally.' This discussion-based interdomain course explores how people are addressing Wicked Problems, examining the 'Right Thing to Do' from several dimensions, including (1) what is ethically appropriate to do in response to a Wicked Problem (and how perspectives on this vary); and (2) the social and behavioral means people use to address such problems. In the course students explore the complex nature of Wicked Problems, including how these are shaped by social, political, and other factors. The rules matter. Students then learn major concepts of justice which commonly are applied to such issues, how these views vary across people affected by the problem, and the importance of recognizing other peoples' perspectives. Students use case studies to explore and critique strategies for engaging Wicked Problems, and how these are used by people working to address these issues. Finally, students work together in small learning teams to analyze a Wicked Problem of their choice, including how various stakeholders view the problem and its potential solutions, and how practitioners are addressing the problem through social and behavior means.