Problem Solving

In the provided sources, the chapter on Problem-solving describes it not as an ontological constant, but as a learned Abstract Virtual Social Tool that guides individuals and societies through its culturally shared meaning.

Key aspects of the problem-solving process include:

• Problem Identification: The process begins with the branding of a context as a "problem." This interpretation is a social construction that often triggers a specific psychological state, such as anxiety, which motivates the agent to seek a resolution.

• The Stages of Resolution: While the method depends on factors like culture and analytical capability, the author outlines a typical sequence:

  1. Identification: Pinpointing the issue as a problem.

  2. Shaping: Gaining a deeper understanding of the problem's rules and characteristics.

  3. Elaboration: Researching memory for candidate solutions, specifically looking for Tools and Techniques.

  4. Testing: Applying the selected tools to see if they resolve the issue.

     
     

  

  
  

• Problem Sub-division: When a problem is too complex or "excruciating" to solve directly, it often exceeds the agent's analytical processing power. In these cases, the problem is divided into derivative sub-problems, allowing for solutions within a narrower, more manageable scope.

• Cultural Relativity: Problem-solving does not follow a fixed or "correct" ontological model. It is a learned method of observing the world; some individuals or societies may not interpret a specific event as a problem at all, while others may feel a pressing need to solve it through distinct strategies like imagination or seeking outside help.

• Algorithmic Representation: The text illustrates the process using a machine-like algorithmic notation to show how physical perception leads to objectivization, which then flows into problem identification, shaping, and finally the testing of solutions.

Ultimately, problem-solving is viewed as a dynamic tool used to navigate life, relying on the agent’s Solutions Memory to find established relationships between needs and the tools required to satisfy them.