What is a Problem?

Boas, George

doi:10.2307/2018873

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…The first approach treats problems as unmet wants or goals (Simon [1966]; Newell and Simon [1972]), or as unmet theoretical goals such as explaining phenomena or logical consistency (Boas [1937]; Popper [1972]; Agassi [1975]; Hattiangadi [1978Hattiangadi [ ], [1979; Laudan [1977]; Nickles [1980], [1981]). On these accounts, notions of problems run the gamut from being overly broad to overly focusing on purely intellectual problems.…”

Section: Six Classical Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A third approach treats problems either as unanswered questions or as tightly connected to unanswered questions (Boas [1937]; Brown [1975]; Laudan [1977]; Hintikka [1981]; Nickles [1981]; Agre [1982]; Goldman [1986]). This move enables researchers to explicate problems, problem solving, and solutions with the comparatively well-developed tools from the study of questions.…”

Section: Six Classical Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some don't identify questions with problems, but rather use the former to help define the latter. For instance, Boas said that a problem is a statement of a theory, a statement of a deviation from it, and a posed question (Boas [1937]). Regardless, these accounts all define a problem either as, or partly constituted by, a lack of knowledge or understanding.…”

Section: Six Classical Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Research Problems

Elliott¹

2021

The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

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To identify and conceptualize research problems in science, philosophers and often scientists rely on classical accounts of problems that focus on intellectual problems defined in relation to theories. Recently, philosophers have begun to study the structures and functions of research problems not defined in relation to theories. Furthermore, scientists have long pursued research problems often labeled as practical or applied. As yet, no account of problems specifies the description of both so-called intellectual problems and so-called applied problems. This article proposes a new conceptual framework of problems that accounts both for intellectual aspects of problems and for their practical or applied aspects. I illustrate the account with an example of a recent research project from evolutionary biology, and I indicate further routes by that to develop the account, especially in connection to empirical studies of science. 1Introduction2Standard Approaches 2.1Six classical approaches2.2Contemporary discussions2.3Further directions3A New Framework 3.1Slogan and reference class3.2Statements and a general propositional model3.3Agential model3.4Taxonomies3.5A framework of problems4Case Study5Problems and Questions6Conclusion

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Section: Six Classical Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Six Classical Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Six Classical Approachesmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Research Problems

Elliott¹

2021

The British Journal for the Philosophy of Science

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¿Cuándo estamos frente a un problema? Un análisis del concepto de problema y su aplicación a un problema normativo

Agüero-SanJuan

2024

Probl., Anu. Filos. Teor. Derecho

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Las propuestas de la teoría del derecho se pueden entender como un conjunto de soluciones a diversos problemas teórico-jurídicos. Esta manera de presentar la actividad resulta atractiva, pero no siempre es trasparente, porque no explicita qué se debe conocer para entender su carácter problemático. Por ello, en este trabajo analizo el concepto de problema a través de la noción de predicado relacional, y a partir de ahí extraigo criterios que permiten determinar qué debe ser considerado como tal y a partir de qué consideraciones deben ser evaluadas sus soluciones. Luego, los resultados del análisis son utilizados para examinar un conocido problema normativo, mostrando así su utilidad analítica. En definitiva, se busca contribuir a un debate escasamente desarrollado en torno al concepto de problema.

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What is a Problem?

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Research Problems

Research Problems

¿Cuándo estamos frente a un problema? Un análisis del concepto de problema y su aplicación a un problema normativo

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