Why We Are Moving From a World of Problems to a World of Dilemmas

One of the most interesting changes brought by the Fourth Revolution is that we are evolving from a typical world of problems to be solved (typical of the Industrial Age) to a world of dilemmas where we have to choose between options.

The reasons for this change are numerous. One is that we all have much more choice than before and so, there are many possible solutions for a situation. This forces us to make choices. The other is that because of our increased interconnectedness, our decisions can’t be independent of the decisions of others. We are thus forced to take into account others’ actions and reactions in our analysis, and this creates dilemmas.

Knowing how to resolve problems is thus not any more the key competency. Knowing how to manage dilemmas is, with all the issues related to possible regrets, and making choices in an uncertain and changing world.

Let us learn to face dilemmas better to thrive in the Collaborative Age!