On the Methodology of Solution Synthesis

The persistence of many old problems suggests that our unilateral approaches to solutions are inadequate. A change in outlook has been fostered by the systems viewpoint, resulting in a movement toward a more creative formulation of systems and a dissolution of disciplinary boundaries, The systems approach is open-ended, however, and does not have the perspective that is necessary for developing meaningful solutions for complex problems. We must concern ourselves with the elements of synthesis that would close the problem loop, that is, a methodology of solution synthesis. A theory of solution synthesis is developed within the context of social behavior. Many of the concepts utilized in the development of this theory were drawn from the knowledge attributed to general systems theory. A formal phenomenological theory for solution synthesis is presented as eight propositions with inference into a social context. The application of the theory for solution synthesis is illustrated through the development of a plan for urban citizen participation.