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2011 | OriginalPaper | Chapter

2. Problem-Solving Revisited

Author : George Christakos

Published in: Integrative Problem-Solving in a Time of Decadence

Publisher: Springer Netherlands

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Abstract

Philosophers have the reputation of intellectuals for whom an ability to uncork a wine is the apotheosis of practicality. Nevertheless, I am among those who believe that philosophy has numerous practical benefits. Inter alia, philosophy is an ideal subject for learning thinking skills. In this chapter, we will see how IPS can benefit considerably by integrating the argumentative and conceptual focus of philosophy with the rigor and effectiveness of the scientific approach. By integration, of course, is not meant the unification of the different sciences. IPS requires neither the development of common laws for all disciplines nor a common ontology. Yet it implies a set of shared skills and thinking style that make it possible to synthesize diverse knowledge sources from different disciplines and direct them toward the solution of the in situ problem.

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Title: Problem-Solving Revisited
Author: George Christakos
Publisher: Springer Netherlands
Book: Integrative Problem-Solving in a Time of Decadence
Print ISBN: 978-90-481-9889-4

Electronic ISBN: 978-90-481-9890-0

Copyright Year: 2011
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9890-0_2