You Are Not So Smart

331 - Wicked Problems - Martin Carcasson

34 snips
Jan 19, 2026
Martin Carcasson, the Director of the Center for Public Deliberation at Colorado State, shares insights on how to tackle wicked problems through deliberation. He explores the transition from rhetorical criticism to practical facilitation, blending social psychology with dialogue practices. Carcasson defines wicked problems as complex, value-laden issues needing negotiation. He discusses a fascinating values card-ranking workshop designed to surface differing priorities, aiming to elevate conversations and foster collaboration in civic discourse.
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INSIGHT

Deliberation Versus Debate

  • Deliberation is a collaborative, future-focused process for deciding what to do next under uncertainty.
  • It differs from argumentation and debate by prioritizing joint problem-solving over winning.
ANECDOTE

From Critic To Community Facilitator

  • Martin Carcasson shifted from critic to practitioner when he moved to Colorado State and started training student facilitators.
  • He and his team have run over 600 community meetings using those facilitation methods.
ANECDOTE

Promoting Practical Thinking Workshops

  • David McRaney describes a workshop promotion and the Executive Thinking Academy course tied to practical thinking tools.
  • The segment illustrates audience interest in hands-on critical thinking training.
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