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Reason Commons
Fictional example

Willow Lane Primary

Amara, Grace, Tomasz, Dev and Ruth

Published 14 October 2026
Release 2026-10-14.1

Question 3 of 6 · Pulling apart

Where do needs pull two ways?

Two needs that both serve one objective, and positions that rule each other out.

Statements
5
Connections
5
Open questions
1

How to read it. Read from right to left: each position is held to meet a need, and both needs serve the objective on the left.

Shared objectiveNeedPositionAccepted for nowDisputedConflict
disputedSHARED OBJECTIVEWillow Lane works for thechildren walking to school andfor the shops.NEEDChildren are safe at the gate atdrop-off and pick-up.NEEDThe bakery and the other shopskeep their morning trade.POSITIONClose Willow Lane to cars atschool times.POSITIONKeep Willow Lane open to carsall day.132

Assumptions under the arrows

  1. 1

    Nothing short of closing the street will stop drivers stopping at the gate.

    Assumed by Amara under is needed for

  2. 2

    A closure has to cover the whole street, for everyone, for as long as it applies.

    Assumed by AI assistant under conflicts with

  3. 3

    Most of the bakery's morning customers arrive by car.

    Assumed by Tomasz under is needed for · this connection is disputed

Outline

Where this comes from

In the Logical Thinking Process this view is a conflict cloud, also called an evaporating cloud. How a commons works →