Using systems thinking to explore wicked problems

This paper first explains what is meant by wicked problems. Second it will compare Horst Rittel's reasons for identifying wicked problems as opposed to tame problems and Peter Checkland's development of soft systems thinking as opposed to hard systems thinking. it will then describe the process used at the National ALARA conference workshop held at Canberra and the outcome of the exploration. The paper will end with some reflections on the use of SSM to deal with wicked problems.