CF Dictionary A reference for Critical Fallibilism

CF Dictionary · Error Correction & Learning

Problem Solving

The general process of finding and fixing errors in IGCs. CF frames all problem solving as error correction.

Problem solving in CF is the general process of finding errors in IGCs and fixing them. CF frames all problem solving this way.

CF's recipe

  1. Specify the goal. What would success look like?
  2. Brainstorm candidate ideas. brainstorming without filtering.
  3. Choose an IGC. State idea, goal, context explicitly.
  4. Criticise. Look for refutations.
  5. Fix or replace. Update the IGC or pick a different one.
  6. Repeat at higher meta levels if needed.

Meta-level problem solving

Some problems resist direct attack. CF recommends stepping up a meta-level:

  • Level 0. "Solve this problem."
  • Level 1. "What's blocking me from solving it?"
  • Level 2. "Why is that blocking me?"
  • Level 3. "What assumptions am I making?"

This is sometimes called "debugging your debugging". Don't let endless meta-levels become procrastination.

Common pitfalls

  • Trying to solve without specifying the goal.
  • Mixing brainstorming and criticism.
  • Overreaching — tackling problems beyond current skill.
  • Avoiding criticism because it's uncomfortable.

"Fallibilism and Problem Solving with Meta Levels." — criticalfallibilism.com