Discovering Alternatives a part of the Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) method, meant to explore alternative myths, worldviews, social structures and visible reality, showing how things could be otherwise. This technique usually comes after exploring the layers 'vertically' to find the root causes of present issues by Uncovering Causality. CLA was developed by Sohail Inayatullah.

• Step 1. Frame Discovering Alternatives as a part of the Causal Layered Analysis, where new possibilities and scenarios are uncovered, in response to a current (undesirable) situation.

• Step 2. Identify an issue, system, worldview and/or myth that is constraining or problematic in the present. Consider following the steps of Uncovering Causality.

• Step 3 can have two alternative approaches:
  • Step 3a: Horizontal alternatives. Take one layer at a time and ask: How could we look at this (issue, system, worldview, myth) differently? What other points of view or different perspective could we take? How could this be otherwise? What would have to change to make this happen? What would happen if these alternatives would became dominant? Identify what might be relevant alternatives in different layers.
  • Step 3b: Diagonal scenarios: Begin with the myth layer that you identified in step 2 and create an alternative story or image that reflect the wishes of the group. Build the new scenario from the myth layer upwards. Ask which worldviews would this myth give rise to? Which systems and social structures would be shaped by this worldview? What would be the 'news' in this world - which issues, solutions and facts would be reported?

• Step 4: Reality check: if the purpose of your scenario building is to identify what you can do in the present to begin changing an undesirable situation, go through each of the layers of your new scenario and look for:
  • Instrumental solutions and quick-fixes (Litany)
  • Policy-oriented strategies, different STEEP approaches (Systems and Causes)
  • Ways to change the prevailing values, worldviews, mindsets and behaviours (Discourse/Worldview)
  • New or different metaphors, stories, images, myths that would provoke alternative emotional responses (Myth/Metaphor)

• Scenarios for sustainability
• Causal Layered Analysis: Poststructuralism as a method
• CLA Reader