1) Some people do not like the word “problem”; they say, “we don’t have problems, we have solutions.” The word “problem” is used in different ways. It can mean something that is causing us a difficulty. The word “problematical” suggests a situation where we cannot see an easy solution to something. However, not all problems are like this. In some cases, we may enjoy problems and solve them for fun: for example, when doing a puzzle or playing a video game. 2) Most people have some sorts of problem in their lives and many of these may be solved with a little careful thought. The problem solving we are talking about here is based on reasons; it is often math, in the sense shape or number, but does not require a high level of formal math to solve. It is largely based upon the real world and is not abstract like much of mathematics. 3) Many people, from builders to architects, from soccer players to lawyers, use this type of problem solving in their everyday lives. On the face of it, critical thinking and problem solving might appear as quite separate disciplines. Most critical thinking questions are primarily word based, but many problem-solving questions contain number-based information. However, the skills used, especially in the application of reason, are quite similar. Scientists, politicians and lawyers will frequently use both word based and numerical data.
How is the writer’s view of problems different from other people’s views?