General Problem Solving

The first step in solving a problem is to determine whether the problem is truly a problem, as many situations that appear problematic are indeed conditions. A condition has no solution, it simply is. A most obvious example is fitting a quart in a pint bottle; this is only a problem when you cannot realize the condition that a one pint bottle cannot contain more than one pint. Unaware of this simple notion, you will continue to search for a way...

Some true problems have one or more solutions, but certain conceived solutions are impossible. Look for these first. Ask: "Why won't this work?" before asking: "How can I make this work?". This can save much time toying with impossible solutions. It is man's basic nature to hold onto treasured solution-ideas, desperately trying to make them work, simply because the first step was omitted, usually due to a built-in bias toward the treasured idea.

Impossible solutions are again, conditions, and must be recognized as such. As these conditions of impossibility become evident, they should be collected conceptually into a more accurate total picture of the problem. If possible, the relationship of the impossibilities to the problem should have a mathematical precision to them, conceptual or preferably numerical, to better justify the declaration of impossibility, yet further defining and clarifying the problem.

Once more than one solution has passed the impossibility test, optimization, or a selection between possible solutions is required. Further, even a single solution could conflict with other situations, outside of the initial problem. This leads to the notion of conflicting solutions.

Although one or more solutions to a problem may exist, most often the potential solutions lead to further problems. At this point, return above to "Problems and conditions".

How do we solve global hunger?

How do we solve global warming?

Hey, do the math...