A support system for multiple perspectives knowledge management and conflict resolution

This paper addresses the need for sound science, technology, and management assessment relative to policy decision-mailing, especially in areas that i nvolve ecosystem health and sustainable development. It suggests an approac h that involves a logical structure for evidence, a framed decision-making process, and an environment that encourages group participation. Toulmin-ba sed logic possesses these characteristics and is used as the basis for deve lopment of the group decision support system described here. This system ca n support several user groups who can use the support system to state argum ents for or against an important policy issue, and to assist in identifying and evaluating alternatives for implementation as policy decisions. The re sulting decision support system assists in improving the clarity of the lin es of reasoning used in specific situations; the warrants, grounds, and bac kings that are used to support claims and specific lines of reasoning; and the contradictions, rebuttals, and arguments surrounding each step in the r easoning process associated with evaluating a claim or counter-claim. Throu gh use of this support system, experts and decision makers with differing v iews and backgrounds can better understand each other's thought processes i n complex situations. The net effect is enhanced communications and underst anding of the whole picture and, in many cases, consensus on decisions to b e taken.