Resolving Differences (Step 10)

Abstract

We know of few, if any, applications of MCDM methods that yield completely consistent results. If more than one method has been used in an application, their results generally diverge. Even if the methods are consistent, it is unlikely that all participants will arrive at the same rankings. Indeed, if they do achieve perfect consistency, the group undoubtedly has been poorly selected. We argued earlier that groups should encompass diverse views, including those of NGOs and likely intervenors in subsequent regulatory procedures. In such groups one should expect divergence of results. Finally, a participant applying the same method at the beginning and at the end of the process is very unlikely to arrive at the same result: as noted at the outset, one important purpose of the use of MCDM is to educate, to expose members of a diverse group to each other’s views, and to force people to really think about the issues and problems. The more successfully that objective is attained, the more likely it is that a participant will change some of his initial views.

If anyone accuses me of contradicting myself, I reply : Because I have been wrong once, or oftener, I do not aspire to be always wrongVAUNARGUES, Reflections and Maxims (1746)

Our agenda is now exhausted. The secretary general is exhausted. All of you are exhausted. I find it comforting that, beggining with our very first day, we find ourselves in such complete unanimity.PAUL HENRI SPAAK, Concluding the First General Assembly of the United Nations (1946)