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26/10/2023

Wicked wellbeing

Wicked Well-being is a phrase coined by Elaine and Ian:

Overview  

"Wicked problems" or issues cannot be permanently solved. They require continual resolution. In the context of "Networking for Well-being," the term "wicked" in relation to well-being underscores that fostering well-being is a complex, ongoing endeavor. Well-being and health-related problems or issues persist, and no solution is everlasting, be it for the planet, a nation, a community, a network or group, or an individual.

And here is the story of where those words came from ... 

Here's what Bron and I muttered about on Wednesday

"Wicked problems are not solved - they are resolved over and over again".  

Solved - permanent - resolved - sorted for the moment and re-solved which is the point about wicked problems. 

Is there any way of indicating that wicket is not pronounced as " wick-it."

Bron has been reminded about the connections between solve and re-solve  - which is to do with finding an ultimate solution (it sounds like a full stop) as opposed to having to address the question over and over.  eg plumping you fix a leak - whereas resolving is about making a non-permanent solution which eg - turn off at the road - or collect the water - which is temporary.  So the difference is to do with permanence and/or the length of time that is relevant to the problem.  

Does it need to be "problem" - is "issue" good enough?  eg feeding children is an issue we can solve, resolve all the time issues that come up and it is not a "Problem" - problematic is to do with issues - do people like cooking, feeding children, etc. - being able to fund it etc. 

Problem for someone from a maths background is not a "bad" but rather a challenge to be explored and addressed.  For most people a problem is a pain in the butt - a sort of stress.  Maybe an issue is a better term?  

ChatGBT was asked to make sense of the above ... and then to summarise the above

The passage you provided is discussing the concept of "wicked problems" and the nuances of the terminology used in problem-solving. Let's break down the key points:

  1. Wicked Problems: Wicked problems are complex, multifaceted issues that cannot be easily solved with a single, permanent solution. Instead, they require ongoing efforts to resolve because they are interconnected with various factors and may evolve over time.

  2. Resolved Over and Over Again: This phrase emphasizes that wicked problems don't have a definitive, one-time solution. They require continuous attention and adaptation to address new challenges that may arise.

  3. Pronunciation: The passage briefly mentions the pronunciation of "wicked." The author is likely pointing out that "wicked" in the context of wicked problems is not pronounced as "wick-it" but rather as "wick-ed."

  4. Solve vs. Re-solve: "Solve" implies finding an ultimate, permanent solution, while "re-solve" suggests addressing the issue repeatedly as it evolves. The choice between these terms depends on the desired outcome and the nature of the problem.

  5. Permanence and Timeframe: The distinction between "solve" and "resolve" is related to the permanence and timeframe of the solution. "Solve" implies a long-lasting or permanent fix, while "resolve" implies a temporary or short-term solution.

  6. Problem vs. Issue: The passage raises the question of whether "issue" might be a better term than "problem" to describe certain challenges. It suggests that for some people, the term "problem" conveys a sense of stress or negativity, while "issue" may be a more neutral or adaptable term.

  7. Perspective on Problems: The passage also touches on how one's background and perspective can influence their perception of problems. For mathematicians, a problem is seen as a challenge to explore and address, while for most people, it may be associated with stress or frustration.

In summary, the passage highlights the complexity of wicked problems and the significance of terminology in how we approach and address these issues. It suggests that terminology choices, such as "problem" or "issue," can influence our perception and handling of challenges.

and then to summarise the above

The passage discusses "wicked problems," complex issues that can't be permanently solved but must be continually addressed due to their evolving nature. It also explores the impact of terminology, like "solve" versus "resolve," and the choice between "problem" and "issue." This highlights the importance of language in shaping our approach to challenges.

 The game goes on - here is my attempted summary, tidied up by chat GPT