In contrast to the example of The Encyclopaedia, in such a case each group supplies its own brilliant arguments, annihilating or ignoring the competing groups. The functions of any editorial group are then limited to locating the best formulated argument for each position and for the problem inter-relationships which they consider significant. This task can best be performed with the collaboration of the interested groups, preferably through their representatives at the international level, whether inter- governmental, nongovernmental, or informal bodies. Tolerance of ambiguity Clearly the results of such an exercise would not satisfy those with a thirst for the immediate and final answer on any particular problem, because when any such final answer is contested, the aim would be to reflect the dissent, even of a minority group. It results in what has been aptly named the premature closure of our ideas.
Tolerance of ambiguity is as important for creativity in science as it is anywhere else.
Providing contextual understanding But irrespective of the scientific value of such a framework, it is a necessity to policy formulation. Knowing what the problems are, in and of themselves, seldom proves sufficient to improve situations. A different kind of knowledge and ability is required concerning the context of public- sector decisions and the workings of those societal mechanisms the public sector attempts to alter. Little effort is made to determine the content or the timing of research to maximize its contribution to the solving of social problems. The means of achieving full employment of minorities in an urban ghetto, for example, is not a problem which an economist, a political scientist, or a sociologist alone is likely to solve.