It is useful to challenge the thinking trap of "problem-solving". The approach to problems may then be reframed by asking what a problem is "trying to tell us" -- or, better still, is the problem as understood in effect a metaphor for something we would prefer not to understand? From this perspective "institutionalized" problems may in effect be a sort of metaphorical euphemism -- a package which it is better not to unwrap. Problems are not only nasty in themselves, they are also nasty

This section provides commentaries related to 'Opportunity' in the Patterns and Metaphors area of the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential

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1. Metaphor as an unexplored resource

1. Policy cycles

To a large extent the patterns of understanding appropriate to social innovations for global management cannot be effectively presented in the conventional linear mode (of which this text is an example). It is indeed possible to present a highly articulated argument, but the exercise bears some resemblance to the classic attempt to describe a spiral staircase verbally. The description, although exact, is not meaningful.

1. Reframing the challenge of sustainable development

In response to the challenge of sustainable development, the potential of metaphor may be used to redefine that challenge. In both conceptual and policy terms it may be conceived as being one of designing metaphors to give form to a "sustainable ecology of development policies"(Judge, 1989).

1. Beyond the movement of information

Much has been made in recent years of the emergence of the "information society". Enthusiasts have envisaged this resulting in a "global village", given the facility of information access and transfer. Great care should however be taken in building on such hopes in envisioning new forms of governance.

1. Governing metaphors

1. Empowerment through metaphor

This section provides commentaries related to governance in the Patterns and Metaphors area of the Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential

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