Final answer:
The characteristics mentioned relate to a bad problem. These traits suggest a complex predicament that requires a nuanced approach to address interconnected challenges. Hence, option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristics that cause emotional discomfort, perpetuate or intensify problems rather than solve them, and are in conflict with each other describe a bad problem. The correct answer is A) These are the characteristics of a bad problem.
Problems that fit this description tend to be more complex and often have layers of interconnected issues, resembling a predicament. Predicaments involve serious and possibly intractable situations that are more difficult to solve than simple isolated problems. These scenarios often require thoughtful analysis and creative problem-solving approaches, as a simplistic fix in one area can exacerbate issues elsewhere, much like a game of whack-a-mole.
Issues like the Problem of Evil, collective action problems, and other moral and emotional dilemmas highlight the complexity of problems where stakeholders have opposing preferences or where individual motivations clash with the interests of the group. These dilemmas can be deeply entrenched and may not have straightforward solutions, reflecting the intricate nature of many real-world challenges.