Non-solutions
Description
The term 'non-solution' has multiple meanings, including a 'solution' that doesn't actually solve the problem or doesn't do so properly. However, here we will use a narrower definition: a solution that would solve the problem but which can't or won't be implemented.
An effective solution may be rejected for a variety of reasons, including:
- it has unacceptable side-effects
- it is socially unpalatable
- there is irreconcilable disagreement between stakeholders
- it would cost too much to implement.
Examples
Collateral Damage
A legitimate military target may be in close proximity to a large population of innocent civilians. If the target can’t be attacked without killing the civilians, it is generally unacceptable (and illegal) to do so.
Surveillance
Government surveillance is effective at reducing crime. Unlimited surveillance would maximise authorities’ ability to detect plans for futures crimes and catch those responsible for past crimes. While security cameras are now common, government access to private phone and internet communications is still limited. However, granting authorities full access to everyone’s personal information is a non-solution because it violates rights to privacy.
Population Reduction
A common factor underlying many current problems (climate change, resource exhaustion, etc.) is the size of the human population. Reducing the population by several billion people would make the species more sustainable. Even though this would be a relatively cheap and easily-implemented solution, we’re obviously not going to do it.
Related Issues
This section describes similarities and differences between this issue and related problem factors and thinking traps.
No Good Options
If we’re only willing to consider extreme options that can’t or won’t be implemented, we will be rejecting options that could actually make a difference. We will conclude that there are no good options.
Do Nothing
If we’re only willing to consider extreme options that can’t or won’t be implemented, then we’ll do nothing. Although it’s sometimes best to do nothing, it may be better to do something that we deem to be imperfect.
Related Engine Processes
Later, we will describe a thinking framework that comprises multiple processes. This section points forward to the processes that deal with this page's topic.
Priorities
The reason why an option can't or won't be implemented is usually because it affects more than one of our priorities, and we’re unwilling to compromise between those priorities.
Optimisation
Optimisation involves finding the option that provides the best balance between conflicting priorities, rather than the option that provides the best performance when only one priority is considered.
Optimisation can also accommodate constraints, which can rule out options that might otherwise perform well. If constraints are too restrictive, optimisation will indicate that there aren’t any acceptable options. In this case, we need to choose between relaxing one or more constraints, or doing nothing.
To Do
Murdered Darlings
examples: capital punishment (contentious) or stricter sentences in general