Convergent vs divergent problems: solvable questions vs the ones that make us human

Convergent vs divergent problems: solvable questions vs the ones that make us human

In Small Is Beautiful, quoting G.N.M. Tyrrell, Schumacher tells us that humans tend to want to resolve tensions between subjects that often oppose each other. Convergent problems are those where increased study makes answers converge toward a single solution, like in math or physics. They are solvable. Divergent problems are those where increased study makes answers diverge into contradictory but equally valid positions — they are the most essentially human problems. They cannot be solved logically, but they can be transcended through higher-order qualities like love, wisdom, and compassion. Any divergent problem can be reduced to a convergent one, but only by stripping away emotions and morality. And very often we deal with them by favoring one opposite over another: freedom over planning, leadership without democracy, and vice versa. This degrades the quality of life.

By filling our heads with convergent problems, we forget to think about the divergent ones. And we lose a part of our humanity in the process.

References

• Small is beautiful