Response to discussions by D.V. Rosowsky, W. Hewlett and G.H. Walker

摘要

The discussions by Rosowsky, Hewlett and Walker are thoughtful and interesting. Each adds to ideas expressed in the original papers. Rosowsky rightly picks up the significant educational implications of both papers. He also understands that although what we have said applies to most decisions of whatever nature, the emphasis is on decision-making for complex problems, especially of the sorts that are large, involve a multiplicity of disciplines (hence professionals in different fields) and whose characteristics are difficult both to quantify and to predict. We take his point regarding the central role of communication skills. What is required, though, is far more than a facility with language. For example, one of our papers discusses by way of models the important place of expectations in framing understanding. Expectations are central to communication, and the inevitable difference of expectations between people and professions affects communication. The issues are important and deserve further exploration.