Infrastructure · Data Structures
Problem
A state gap with a cost of inaction
Definition
Mechanism
A formal representation of a gap between Current State and Desired State where the Cost of Inaction > 0. Unlike a Task (which is a directive to act), a Problem is a descriptive claim about value loss. It serves as the input to interpretation and reframing, requiring diagnosis before a solution root can be established.
Invariants
- Cost of inaction is non-zero: a gap that costs nothing to leave open is a difference, not a Problem.
Risks
Failure modes
None stated.
Relationships
Builds on
Used by
References
Mind
Mapping to known solutions
Mind
Dividing complexity into manageable units
Mind
Entropy-based stopping condition for recursion
Structured problem definition artifact
Mind
Rapid, low-cost decision making via pattern recognition
Mind
Solution discovery via negation
Society
Defensible over ambitious
Final egress filter for safety and privacy
Mind
Simulating diverse experts
Mind
Changing perspective to restructure the tree and find a new solution root
Mind
Apex triage node of a SolverTree, with Pathway Memory as its compounding learning site
Mind
Ordering rule: steelman opposing view before proposing, so SteelmanCheck has real targets
Mind
Ascend abstraction to gain perspective
Society
Collective knowledge graph of all problem-solving
Society
Usage determines canonical status, not who minted first
Mind
Recursive problem abstraction
Accepts
Dialectic blueprint of a system mechanism with temporal projections
Reference
Data schema
{
"type": "object",
"required": [
"current_state",
"desired_state",
"cost_of_inaction"
],
"properties": {
"current_state": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of reality"
},
"desired_state": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Description of goal"
},
"gap_analysis": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Why the current != desired"
},
"severity": {
"type": "string",
"enum": [
"Low",
"Medium",
"High",
"Existential"
]
},
"root_cause_hypothesis": {
"type": "string"
},
"cost_of_inaction": {
"type": "string",
"description": "What leaving the gap open costs. Non-zero is what makes the gap a Problem rather than a difference."
}
}
}