Can Wicked Problems Be Tackled through Abductive Inferencing?

Abstract

There is general agreement that the Rational Planning Model (RPM) used widely in the context of urban systems planning has problems coping with recalcitrant or “wicked” problems. This paper explores the use of pragmatic reasoning and abductive inferencing for improving this situation. First, the congruence of planning theory, pragmatic philosophy, and organizational learning theory is investigated, then a basic framework incorporating abductive inferencing in the RPM is demonstrated, with the objective of improving the current planning process. A case study drawn from transportation systems planning demonstrates the use of abductive inferencing. This introductory inquiry indicates that a learning process to supplement the RPM through the use of abductive inferencing advances the model's capability for coping with “wicked” problems.