Primary Concepts, LLC is a consultancy in the field of conceptual dynamics established to address a specific class of problems commonly said to have no solution.

What is "conceptual dynamics"?

Conceptual dynamics sees the world as an infinite set of dynamic processes, each with its own magnitude, direction and duration, each subject to change as it interacts with other dynamic processes. We set aside ideological concerns that drive many of the conflicts in the public arena. Dynamic forces are nonideological and impersonal; accordingly we make every effort to depersonalize the issues we address.

What is the "specific class of problems" we address?

Most problems fall into one of two classes. Their conflicts are binary and adversarial in nature. One has a familiar path to solution. Lawyers are hired. Technical experts are gathered and arguments are presented in an administrative or judicial forum. Contests are decided but problems are not necessarily resolved. The other class is existential in nature and based on fundamental beliefs such as those found at the extremes of the abortion debate. Both sides are absolutely right on their own terms making no resolution possible. We don't deal with either of these.

We deal with problems that do serious harm to many interests over a long period of time. While the harm they do is widely recognized, they cannot be solved by adversarial means because they have at their heart an undeniable truth or set of truths that must be served. Such problems often persist and are made more difficult to engage because one or more powerful false assumption effectively discourages attempts at resolution.

How do we resolve such problems?

We employ our four-step Insight Engine approach.

• Identify the source of the problem. The origins of such complex problems must be understood in order to address them effectively. They may arise from events that act as dynamic triggers or they may be caused by long term dynamic processes.

• Identify the powerful idea or ideas that surround the problem and protect it from any reasonable challenge. These ideas must be deconstructed and dispelled.

• Restate the problem in a way that it can be resolved.

• Formulate a path to resolution, using one or more dynamic process to make it happen.

Insights are both part of our process and part of the resolution. We cut across disciplines, cut through the rhetoric and depersonalize the issues. This results in the resolution of problems in ways that serve the essential truths at their core while ending the harm that their misapplication causes. All legitimate interests are equally served through resolution of the problems.

While every problem is unique, there are some general impediments that we expect to encounter. Three examples are Time, Higher Causes and Heroes.

Time

Because these are problems of long duration it's common to meet people who have devoted decades or entire careers to fighting over them; the fight has become a cause unto itself. The idea of ending it becomes lost or forgotten. When confronted with a proposal to end it, they resist.

Higher Causes

Some serious problems are seen as being part of even greater conflicts. Any effort to solve what is seen as simply an element of the struggle seems to take resources and support from the higher cause. This mindset fuels demand for an all or nothing approach and resistance to resolving the targeted problem.

Heroes

Issues of this sort often have heroes who have been the face and voice of the fight, winning just praise for their efforts. An approach that proposes to resolve a struggle where the hero has failed may be seen as disrespecting an iconic figure and stir resentments and resistance.

General Impediments to resolution

We recognize this is a new approach to solving problems and believe a demonstration is in order. We have selected a problem that meets all of our criteria. The problem is affordable housing in New Jersey and the Mount Laurel Doctrine that controls it. The first phase of this process began in 2016 with the publication now available at http://www.onthejerseyside.com. The second phase is tied to the final major phase of the powerful dynamic process that will provide the resolution of this problem. It begins in 2019.  It will proceed in various forms and may be followed at the project website above.