| Problem solving is the very area of artificial intelligence (AI) which, probably, will never result in a complete set of formalized theories, in a kind of pragmatic philosophy, or in a "universal" applied discipline. Studying the questions concerning this area encompasses different concepts, models and theories.
In this connection the main accent falls on the theoretical framework (paradigm) of a problem solving system which should be considered from the viewpoint of the triad "human-problem-computer". In order to be effective, problem solving systems (or, more exactly, computer-aided problem solving systems (CAPSS)) should integrate humansolver's skill and abilities. That is, while humans are responsible for the "informal" part of problem solving activities the computer solves the "formal" part respectively.
When solving a problem, the human's properties are put to the forefront. It is the human's level of skill, role in the informal and creative aspects of problem solving, and the human's interpretation of the solution which affects the outcome most strongly. Humans capture, as we are often reminded , the " art of problem solving" while computcrs are ideal for carrying out extensive calculations and conducting search through the problem space. |