Attitudinal fix
Encyclopedia
An attitudinal fix refers to solving a problem or resolving a conflict by bringing about an attitude
change. Persuasion
, mediation
, diplomacy
, and consciousness raising campaigns are ways of doing this. Only problems or conflicts which involve feelings, emotions, and associated value judgments--that is attitudes--are amenable to such fixes. Thus engineering problems--ones set entirely in the physical environment and / or involving controlling nature--can not be solved by finding an attitudinal fix: their solution must involve a Technological Fix
. Many problems or conflicts involve both attitudes / values and engineering / technological aspects, and these quite different aspects can interact and be intertwined in complex ways. Here problem solving
/ conflict resolution can be accomplished by seeking either attitudinal fixes, technological fixes, or a combination of both. Not surprisingly, some people prefer one type of solution over the other. Thus in seeking to end a war, some may prefer a negotiated settlement (an important part of which may rest on attitudinal fixes), whereas others may seek a military solution (built on technological fixes).
Attitude (psychology)
An attitude is a hypothetical construct that represents an individual's degree of like or dislike for something. Attitudes are generally positive or negative views of a person, place, thing, or event— this is often referred to as the attitude object...
change. Persuasion
Persuasion
Persuasion is a form of social influence. It is the process of guiding or bringing oneself or another toward the adoption of an idea, attitude, or action by rational and symbolic means.- Methods :...
, mediation
Mediation
Mediation, as used in law, is a form of alternative dispute resolution , a way of resolving disputes between two or more parties. A third party, the mediator, assists the parties to negotiate their own settlement...
, diplomacy
Diplomacy
Diplomacy is the art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of groups or states...
, and consciousness raising campaigns are ways of doing this. Only problems or conflicts which involve feelings, emotions, and associated value judgments--that is attitudes--are amenable to such fixes. Thus engineering problems--ones set entirely in the physical environment and / or involving controlling nature--can not be solved by finding an attitudinal fix: their solution must involve a Technological Fix
Technological fix
A technological fix or technical fix refers to an engineering or technical solution to a problem caused by human nature. Frequently the solution is an impractical and/or humorous proposal such as the Internet Protocol Evil bit or the "suitable application of high explosives" to interpersonal problems...
. Many problems or conflicts involve both attitudes / values and engineering / technological aspects, and these quite different aspects can interact and be intertwined in complex ways. Here problem solving
Problem solving
Problem solving is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and problem shaping. Consideredthe most complex of all intellectual functions, problem solving has been defined as higher-order cognitive process that requires the modulation and control of...
/ conflict resolution can be accomplished by seeking either attitudinal fixes, technological fixes, or a combination of both. Not surprisingly, some people prefer one type of solution over the other. Thus in seeking to end a war, some may prefer a negotiated settlement (an important part of which may rest on attitudinal fixes), whereas others may seek a military solution (built on technological fixes).
See also
- Attitude (psychology)Attitude (psychology)An attitude is a hypothetical construct that represents an individual's degree of like or dislike for something. Attitudes are generally positive or negative views of a person, place, thing, or event— this is often referred to as the attitude object...
- Attitude changeAttitude changeAttitudes are the evaluations and associated beliefs and behaviors towards some object. They are not stable, and because of the communication and behavior of other people, are subject to change by social influences, as well as an individual's motivation to maintain cognitive consistency when...
- Conflict ResolutionConflict resolutionConflict resolution is conceptualized as the methods and processes involved in facilitating the peaceful ending of some social conflict. Often, committed group members attempt to resolve group conflicts by actively communicating information about their conflicting motives or ideologies to the rest...
- Technological FixTechnological fixA technological fix or technical fix refers to an engineering or technical solution to a problem caused by human nature. Frequently the solution is an impractical and/or humorous proposal such as the Internet Protocol Evil bit or the "suitable application of high explosives" to interpersonal problems...
External links
- The Attitudinal Fix Mentality from Project Worldview
- Positive Attitudes Resources