The search for an Ultimate Root Cause takes the place of Original Sin in many people's worldviews, I think: a failing so massive and so connatural to us that endlessly talking about it and its apocalyptic implications takes precedence over actually doing anything to make things work around it.
That seems right, adding that religious Original Sin is also itself an example of that and probably one of the sources of the root cause meme being so widespread
I don't think "analysis" and "synthesis" are well-defined enough to make a statement like this. You can "analyze" or "synthesize" both simple and complex problems.
Improbably, you didn't use the word "incrementalism" at any point. Some people seem to have an ideological-emotional response to any incremental solution. It is perceived as a compromise between an unacceptable status quo or an evil opposing force, and therefore unacceptable/evil itself.
It also seems to be perceived as a weak rhetorical or strategic position. "If you need five cents, don't ask for three, ask for ten." But then it becomes a way of thinking in itself.
Incrementalism is a bit more patient, acknowledges a bit more complexity, and therein lies some negative reaction to it.
The search for an Ultimate Root Cause takes the place of Original Sin in many people's worldviews, I think: a failing so massive and so connatural to us that endlessly talking about it and its apocalyptic implications takes precedence over actually doing anything to make things work around it.
That seems right, adding that religious Original Sin is also itself an example of that and probably one of the sources of the root cause meme being so widespread
In other words, RCA's are great for 'analysis' but useless if the need is for 'synthesis' which is what most complex problems need. Is that so?
I don't think "analysis" and "synthesis" are well-defined enough to make a statement like this. You can "analyze" or "synthesize" both simple and complex problems.
Improbably, you didn't use the word "incrementalism" at any point. Some people seem to have an ideological-emotional response to any incremental solution. It is perceived as a compromise between an unacceptable status quo or an evil opposing force, and therefore unacceptable/evil itself.
It also seems to be perceived as a weak rhetorical or strategic position. "If you need five cents, don't ask for three, ask for ten." But then it becomes a way of thinking in itself.
Incrementalism is a bit more patient, acknowledges a bit more complexity, and therein lies some negative reaction to it.