M R Lauer

General Problem Theory M R Lauer

The scientific method is an instance of special problem theory, the theory of problem solving in regular problem spaces. General problem theory is the theory of problem solving in irregular problem spaces, the domain of subjective, non-quantitative problems that also includes regular problem spaces as a special case. Because it only applies to regular problem spaces, the scientific method, as it is currently practiced, cannot solve the vast majority of human problems. This is apparently a surprise both to rationalists and postmodernists alike. General problem theory defines a theoretical framework that explains how to use formal methods to study and solve any kind of problem, in any kind of space, thus effectively extending the scientific method to cover the entire subjective sphere. The foundation for this theory is a radical reconception of the unknown itself. It turns out that the unknown has actual physical properties that can be expressed in quantitative formulas, knowledge of which opens up entirely new avenues of learning and reasoning that allow us to connect the subjective and objective domains into one tractable problem space. This is an advanced work, and should not be attempted before studying Ultrareasoning: Principles and Practices of Faceted Model-Oriented Reasoning, or Super Stupid: Why The Educated Elite Are So Wrong So Often About So Many Things.