Solving Public Problems
A public problem is one that
- Involves questions of facts and values
- Occurs in a public setting
- Affects us as citizens rather than as individuals
Public values are usually based on
- Equality (fairness, justice, tolerance)
- Prosperity (economy, efficiency, standard of living)
- Community (safety, security, quality of living)
To resolve differences in public problems
- Frame the problem (define the problem, determine the values involved, bring the public to learn as much as possible about the problem—both facts and values)
- Create public choices (an array of choices, each embodying different value positions; promote community discussion of those choices)
- Make public decisions (solution is one that best balances the values, not a single, “right” solution; decision determined by benefit to community as a whole)
From Phillip Boyle, “Public Problems, Values, and
Choices,” Popular Government,
2001 (Fall), 18-23.
© 2004 A.J.Filipovitch
Revised