THE ART OF PROBLEM SOLVING

An approach to problem-solving is largely on intellectual grounds, routes the reader from dilemma to decision with words, diagrams and illustrations. The stages of progress begin with identifying the problem, stating it and thereby giving it form, analyzing it, and go on to the types of questions it may arouse, the errors of assumption (hidden and preconceived) it may involve, as well as the potential consequences which may be entailed. Speculation, logic and analogy are all factors in problem solving as a science, while as an art-experience, imagination and intuition will play their part. The method then completes the cycle from recognition to attack to action- and should apply to any problem you may confront. Men rather than women are more likely to put it in practice although it lacks the more popular optimism of the you-too-can school of self-help.