Problem solving, or not

The problem with homework problems is that they have solutions.

When given a problem from a textbook or a professor, it isn’t too difficult to sit and work through it. True, it may be a painful problem that requires the better part of your weekend, but generally you don’t give up. Why? Implicit in assigning the problem is the knowledge that the problem is solvable. It may be tough, challenging, and/or frustrating, but the knowledge that a solution exists is sufficient to continue forward. In “real world” problems, though, this is not necessarily true. Problems are often ill-defined, and many times may not have a solution. Sometimes, it is actually necessary to give up and walk away or find a completely different approach. However, I’m guessing that if a teacher were to put an unsolvable problem on an assignment there would be talk of mutiny in the classroom.

A strange game. The only winning move is not to play.