Glossary

Here are clear definitions for key terminologies to help you develop a comprehensive understanding of Problem Traversal Theory’s concepts and principles.

Ancestor Problem

A predecessor problem to another in a problem lineage

Characteristic

An inherent feature of a thing

Child Problem

A problem spawned by a parent problem

Circumstance

An external condition surrounding a thing

Current State

A state a thing has when evaluated

Descendant Problem

A successor problem to another in a problem lineage

Desire

A wanting for a thing to have a specific state

Desired State

A specific potential state a sentient entity has a desire for a thing to have

Desirer

A specific sentient entity that has a desire

Initial Problem

An initially identified problem

Misproblem

A perceived problem that lacks genuine desire upon closer evaluation

Parent Problem

A problem that spawns a child problem

Potential State

A state a thing does not have when evaluated but could transition to have

Problem

A sentient entity’s desire for a thing to transition from a current state to a specific potential state against resistance

Problem Clearing

Determining a problem is a misproblem or implementing a solution to generate value

Problem Lineage

The recursive interconnection of every identified child problem and parent problem relative to a seed problem

Problem Solving

Identifying at least one solution to complete a transition

Problem Traversal

Shifting focus from one subject problem to another across a problem lineage

Resistance

The level of effort required for a thing to transition from one state to another

Sentient Entity

One or more conscious life forms capable of desire

Solution

A potential child problem that if cleared will decrease the resistance necessary to clear its parent problem

State

A characteristic or circumstance of a thing

Subject Problem

A problem currently being evaluated

Thing

An object or an idea

Transition

A change from one state to another