First Blog

We are residents in a silver bullet society.   We believe just about any problem has a simple pinpointed, highly targeted, definitely focused solution.    The problem complexity is irrelevant.   The overarching simplicity of the solution neutralizes complexity, creating a silver bullet solutions environment.   This is not to say the proposed solution is cheap or even simple, but it is single-minded and simple to comprehend.   It is easy to sell.   It is believable to the uninitiated, to the gullible, to the willing expert, and to the inexperienced.   It is simplistic and makes promises of a total resolution of the problem.    It comes to, “To solve problem X, just do Y.” The silver bullet paradigm compels believers to accept simplistic, often expensive, solutions.   It resolves problems, not by study and consensus, but rather by fiat, by denying alternatives, by denying study, and by rejecting alternative views.    Such solutions often address a symptom of the problem, and

In this world we have laborers, professionals, researchers, and practitioners - not to forget politicians, which are ignored for the moment.  Let's discuss the practitioners, those who practice a profession.  These include accountants, psychologists,  lawyers, and doctors. This implies they use an extant body of accepted knowledge and make arguments and prescriptions on what to do in the various circumstances.  They have no need to think beyond their sandbox of this knowledge.  Indeed, thinking beyond is discouraged.    BUT... This may be a good thing.  You don't want your doctor simply manufacturing new medicine when you are under care.  You don't want your lawyer inventing legal precedents when you have some grievance or other situation.  Thinking inside the box, in these cases, is just plain OK.  But the practice does entertain and in some cases slavishly follows the leads of others.  Case-in-point is ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.   This is a condit