Transcript The FACT Method: Creative Problem Solving with General

The FACT Method:
Creative Problem Solving with
General Semantics and
Lateral Thinking
If you can see the world clearly then your thinking and
actions will be appropriate.
Edward de Bono
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
Slide 1
Presentation Outline
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Definition
Modes of Thinking
Practical Example
Lateral Thinking Techniques
Other Techniques
Conclusion
...if you can learn how to 'think' in terms of 'facts' instead of definition,
we will have achieved what we wanted to achieve.
Alfred Korzybski
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
Slide 2
Theme
In order to investigate problem solving, we need
to distinguish between a general structure or
process for the solving of problems and the
techniques used within that process. These
techniques will vary depending on the domain of
operation and the specific problem.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
Slide 3
The FACT Method
F = Find the problem or be found by it.
Formulate/Feedback/Follow-up/Define.
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The FACT Method
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The FACT Method
F = Find the problem or be found by it.
Formulate/Feedback/Follow-up.
A = Acquire/Apprehend/Aware/Assumptions
(gather information)
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The FACT Method
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The FACT Method
F = Find the problem or be found by it.
Formulate/Feedback/Follow-up.
A = Acquire/Apprehend/Aware/Assumptions
(gather information)
C= Consider/Cogitate/Comprehend/Change
(analyse information, create, consider
and change solutions)
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The FACT Method
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The FACT Method
F = Find the problem or be found by it.
Formulate/Feedback/Follow-up.
A = Acquire/Apprehend/Aware/Assumptions
(gather information)
C= Consider/Cogitate/Comprehend/Change
(analyse information, create, consider
and change solutions)
T = Task/Tell/Transmit/Try/Test/Trial
(make decision, implement, check)
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The FACT Method
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The FACT Method
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
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The Scientific Method
1.
Identify a Problem
2.
Analyse it
3.
Form possible solutions
4.
Experiment
5.
Observe
6.
Form conclusions
(From ‘Twelve General Semantics Lessons for Middle School Students’, Martin Levinson, Ph.D.)
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The FACT Method
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 1
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Edward de Bono, consultant, inventor:
Vertical and Lateral
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The FACT Method
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 1
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Edward de Bono, consultant, inventor:
Vertical and Lateral
Jerome Bruner, American psychologist:
Paradigmatic (propositions)
and Narrative (story)
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Slide 11
Different Modes of 'Thinking' 1
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Edward de Bono, consultant, inventor:
Vertical and Lateral
Jerome Bruner, American psychologist:
Paradigmatic (propositions)
and Narrative (story)
Robert Graves, English poet:
Prose (logical/scientific)
and Poetic (associational/mythic)
Analeptic (past) and Proleptic (future)
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 2
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Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet:
Imagination (Primary and Secondary)
and Fancy
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 2
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Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet:
Imagination (Primary and Secondary)
and Fancy
William Blake, English poet:
Daughters of Imagination
and Daughters of Memory
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 2
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Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet:
Imagination (Primary and Secondary)
and Fancy
William Blake, English poet:
Daughters of Imagination
and Daughters of Memory
Ships sail the sea
(Keels plough the earth):
Synecdoche, Metaphor and Metonymy
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 3
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Aristotelian and Non-Aristotelian
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 3
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Aristotelian and Non-Aristotelian
Waking and Dream:
Einstein's Thought Experiments, etc
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 3
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Aristotelian and Non-Aristotelian
Waking and Dream:
Einstein's Thought Experiments, etc
Part and Whole (Gestalt)
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 3
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Aristotelian and Non-Aristotelian
Waking and Dream:
Einstein's Thought Experiments, etc
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Part and Whole (Gestalt)
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Divergent and Convergent Thinking
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Different Modes of 'Thinking' 3
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Aristotelian and Non-Aristotelian
Waking and Dream:
Einstein's Thought Experiments, etc
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Part and Whole (Gestalt)
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Divergent and Convergent Thinking
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Thesis--Antithesis--Synthesis
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Jung's Psychological Types
Judgement and Perception
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Multiple Intelligences
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Visual/spatial
Verbal/linguistic
Logical/mathematical
Bodily/kinesthetic
Musical/rhythmic
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
(From the work of Howard Gardner.)
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A Practical FACT
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Slide 23
TEC
T
=
Target: the precise focus of the thinking
Task: the thinking task that is to be performed
(e.g. review, fault finding/correction, problem finding/solving
E
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Expand/Explore (positive and free-flowing)
C
=
Contract/Conclude (a narrowing down phase; trying to make
sense of what was found and to find a conclusion)
A very simple structure for focussing thinking and making of it a
deliberate task. Can be done as a ‘five-minute think’:
T (1 min), E (3 mins), C (2 mins).
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The FACT Method
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GS Principles and Techniques
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The map is not the
territory.
The map doesn't cover all
the territory.
The map is self-reflexive.
The word isn't the thing.
Extensional/Intensional.
Non-Allness.
Non-Elementalism.
Non-Identity.
Organism-as-a-Whole-inEnvironments.
Over-/Under-/Un-Defined
Words.
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Dating.
Delayed Evaluating.
Et Cetera (Etc.).
Hyphens.
Indexing.
Logical Fate.
Multiordinality.
Multi-valued Orientation.
Quotes.
Self-reflexiveness.
Structure, Relations, Order.
Structural Differential.
Time-binding.
The FACT Method
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Logic bubble
That bubble of perception within which a person is acting
and which involves that person’s beliefs, understandings,
experience and their perceptions of circumstance,
structure, context and relationships.
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Logical Fate
Logic bubble
That bubble of perception within which a person is acting
and which involves that person’s beliefs, understandings,
experience and their perceptions of circumstance,
structure, context and relationships.
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The FACT Method
Slide 27
AGO (F/A)
A = Aims
G = Goals
O = Objectives
This is an example of an attention-directing ‘thinking tool’.
Although there are differences between these words,
these are ignored for the sake of doing some ‘attentiondirecting’: the task is to set up objectives or to discover
the objectives that already seem to be in use.
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The FACT Method
Slide 28
Multiordinality, Time-binding, Extensional Thinking
AGO (F/A)
A = Aims
G = Goals
O = Objectives
This is an example of an attention-directing ‘thinking tool’.
Although there are differences between these words,
these are ignored for the sake of doing some ‘attentiondirecting’: the task is to set up objectives or to discover
the objectives that already seem to be in use.
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The FACT Method
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FIFO (A)
inFormation In, inFormation Out
A deliberate survey of what is available and what is still
needed. FI: the information already gathered is examined
using ‘dense reading’ (reading between the lines and
considering the implications of what is read) and all
implications and inferences are extracted. FO: the ‘gaps’
in the information are then identified, and filled in as
much as possible.
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The FACT Method
DIV
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Map/Territory, Multi-valued Orientation
FIFO (A)
inFormation In, inFormation Out
A deliberate survey of what is available and what is still
needed. FI: the information already gathered is examined
using ‘dense reading’ (reading between the lines and
considering the implications of what is read) and all
implications and inferences are extracted. FO: the ‘gaps’
in the information are then identified, and filled in as
much as possible.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 31
Brainstorming (A/C)
Generally, a ‘solution-generating tool’. My guidelines:
1)
2)
3)
The more the merrier
The wilder the better
No self-criticism or
other-criticism
Is better performed individually than in groups.
Do something only you can come up with—that none of
your friends or family would think of.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 32
Delayed Evaluating, Etc.
Brainstorming (A/C)
Generally, a ‘solution-generating tool’. My guidelines:
1)
2)
3)
The more the merrier
The wilder the better
No self-criticism or
other-criticism
Is better performed individually than in groups.
Do something only you can come up with—that none of
your friends or family would think of.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 33
PO (A/C)
Hypothesis—Suppose—Possible—Poetry
PO can stand for provocative operation, an attempt to move
thinking into newer, more productive areas, a method of
‘movement’ not of ‘judgement’. Three possible methods:
1) The Stepping Stone (Po cars would limit their own parking;
The po factory should be downstream of itself)
2) The Escape Method (looking at things in a situation that we
may ‘take for granted’)
3) The Random Stimulation Method (through the use of a random
word or object or person or magazine or exhibition, and
following associations)
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 34
Structure-Relations-Order, Non-Allness, Etc.
PO (A/C)
Hypothesis—Suppose—Possible—Poetry
PO can stand for provocative operation, an attempt to move
thinking into newer, more productive areas, a method of
‘movement’ not of ‘judgement’. Three possible methods:
1) The Stepping Stone (Po cars would limit their own parking;
The po factory should be downstream of itself)
2) The Escape Method (looking at things in a situation that we
may ‘take for granted’)
3) The Random Stimulation Method (through the use of a random
word or object or person or magazine or exhibition, and
following associations)
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 35
APC (A/C)
A = Alternatives
P = Possibilities
C = Choices
This is another ‘attention-directing’ tool. In different
situations one or other word may seem more appropriate,
but no attempt should be made to distinguish between
them. Doing an APC means making a deliberate effort to
generate alternatives at any particular point.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 36
Non-Allness, Non-Elementalism, Non-Identity, Etc.
APC (A/C)
A = Alternatives
P = Possibilities
C = Choices
This is another ‘attention-directing’ tool. In different
situations one or other word may seem more appropriate,
but no attempt should be made to distinguish between
them. Doing an APC means making a deliberate effort to
generate alternatives at any particular point.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 37
EBS (A/C)
Examine Both Sides
This type of exploration of both sides of a
situation/argument is meant to be neutral and objective.
The intention is to examine the territory of the situation
for a constructive purpose. The tool leads easily into ADI.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 38
Organism-as-a-Whole-in-Environments
EBS (A/C)
Examine Both Sides
This type of exploration of both sides of a
situation/argument is meant to be neutral and objective.
The intention is to examine the territory of the situation
for a constructive purpose. The tool leads easily into ADI.
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The FACT Method
DIV
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OPV (A/C)
Other Person's Views
This thinking tool overlaps with the EBS and the ‘logic bubble’.
In using this tool, the thinker tries to put him/herself into the
shoes of the other person, in order to be able to perceive the
world as that person sees it. There are two parts: 1) identifying
the people involved and 2) putting oneself in their shoes. The
tool effectively requires the thinker to be objectively trying to
see the world from the other person’s point of view.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 40
Non-Allness
OPV (A/C)
Other Person's Views
This thinking tool overlaps with the EBS and the ‘logic bubble’.
In using this tool, the thinker tries to put him/herself into the
shoes of the other person, in order to be able to perceive the
world as that person sees it. There are two parts: 1) identifying
the people involved and 2) putting oneself in their shoes. The
tool effectively requires the thinker to be objectively trying to
see the world from the other person’s point of view.
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The FACT Method
DIV
Slide 41
ADI (A/C)
A = Agreement
D = Disagreement
I
= Irrelevance
Used after the EBS mapping exercise. The two maps are
compared (from the examination of both sides) and the
areas of agreement are noted. Next, the areas of
disagreement; finally, the areas of irrelevance.
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The FACT Method
CON
Slide 42
The map doesn't cover all the territory.
ADI (A/C)
A = Agreement
D = Disagreement
I
= Irrelevance
Used after the EBS mapping exercise. The two maps are
compared (from the examination of both sides) and the
areas of agreement are noted. Next, the areas of
disagreement; finally, the areas of irrelevance.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
CON
Slide 43
CAF (A/C)
Consider All Factors
Another ‘attention-directing’ tool. The tool
means considering all the factors that are
pertinent to a particular situation, without
any effort to evaluate the factors. When
doing a CAF, we are trying to discover
‘what has been left out’ and ‘what we
ought to consider as well’.
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The FACT Method
DIV/CON
Slide 44
The word isn't the thing.
CAF (A/C)
Consider All Factors
Another ‘attention-directing’ tool. The tool
means considering all the factors that are
pertinent to a particular situation, without
any effort to evaluate the factors. When
doing a CAF, we are trying to discover
‘what has been left out’ and ‘what we
ought to consider as well’.
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The FACT Method
DIV/CON
Slide 45
HV/LV (A/C)
High Value/Low Value
A useful ‘attention-directing’ tool, to distinguish the
‘values’ occurring in any situation. In general the high
values are those that determine action and the low ones
are those that have need to be taken into account. They
can be different for different people involved in the
situation.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
DIV/CON
Slide 46
Non-Allness
HV/LV (A/C)
High Value/Low Value
A useful ‘attention-directing’ tool, to distinguish the
‘values’ occurring in any situation. In general the high
values are those that determine action and the low ones
are those that have need to be taken into account. They
can be different for different people involved in the
situation.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
DIV/CON
Slide 47
PMI (A/C)
P = Plus (the good points; the things that worked)
M = Minus (the bad points; the things that may not
have worked or could have work better)
I
= Interesting (the interesting points; ‘It might be
interesting to see if...’)
Another attention-directing tool, usually done over a twoor three-minute period.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
DIV/CON
Slide 48
The map is self-reflexive.
PMI (A/C)
P = Plus (the good points; the things that worked)
M = Minus (the bad points; the things that may not
have worked or could have work better)
I
= Interesting (the interesting points; ‘It might be
interesting to see if...’)
Another attention-directing tool, usually done over a twoor three-minute period.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
DIV/CON
Slide 49
C & S (A/C/T)
Consequences and Sequels
This tool is used to consider the
consequences of an action or a decision.
Four time zones are established (usually
arbitrary): Immediate (up to one year),
Short-term (one to five), Medium-term
(five to 20), Long-term (over 20). Each
time zone is focussed on in turn.
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The FACT Method
CON
Slide 50
Logical Fate, Dating, Indexing.
C & S (A/C/T)
Consequences and Sequels
This tool is used to consider the
consequences of an action or a decision.
Four time zones are established (usually
arbitrary): Immediate (up to one year),
Short-term (one to five), Medium-term
(five to 20), Long-term (over 20). Each
time zone is focussed on in turn.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
CON
Slide 51
PISCO 1 (FACT)
P = Purpose
The purpose of the thinking. The expected result. the reason for the
thinking. Similar to ‘T’ of TEC, but with more emphasis in why the
thinking is being done.
I = Input
The input of information, experience and all the ingredients that need to
go into the thinking. Similar to the ‘E’ of TEC. Tools such as CAF,
C & S, OPV can be used to develop a rich map.
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The FACT Method
Slide 52
PISCO 2 (FACT)
S = Solutions
The finding of alternative solutions, ideas or approaches to the matter at
hand. A narrowing down similar to the ‘C’ of TEC.
C = Choices
The choice between the alternatives on offer, using evaluations and
decisions until only one alternative remains.
O = Operation
The action stage. The implementation of the final idea. What steps are to
be taken to put the final choice into place?
Extensional
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The FACT Method
Slide 53
Transformations 1
One general technique, as identified by David Hewson, is to
transform some aspect of the original problem to produce a
version that can more easily be solved or has already been
solved. Transformations can include:
Korzybski Bypass: Solve the problem of the assumptions.
Abstracting Bypass 1: Abstract a simpler problem and solve.
Abstracting Bypass 2: Use higher semantic category to replace
lower one.
Abstracting Bypass 3: Abstract the problem to a map.
Analogy Bypass: Solve an analogous problem in another
domain.
Viewpoint Bypass: Solve problem by shifting the viewpoint.
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The FACT Method
Slide 54
Transformations 2
Whether or not these transformations are made consciously
or unconsciously, they can be seen as a variation of the
logical fate concept:
A1 would be the initial assumptions or
structure of the problem, with C2 the
desired outcome. A2 would then be the
new assumptions or structure after the
transformation operation I. The arrow II
represents the solution process of the
new version of the problem, plus the
inverse transformation that reveals the
solution of the original problem.
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The FACT Method
Slide 55
Tool and Structure Chart
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The FACT Method
Slide 56
General Semantics Chart
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Solution of the Example (T)
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Slide 58
Solution of the Example (T)
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Slide 59
Brain Rules 1
#1
Exercise boosts brain power.
Walk several times a week.
#2
The human brain evolved, too.
Develop strong emotional environments for learning.
#3
Every brain is wired differently.
Customise environments for individual learning styles.
#4
We don't pay attention to boring things.
Do one thing at a time.
Design learning as short segments, with
emotional hooks.
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The FACT Method
Slide 60
Brain Rules 2
#5
Repeat to remember.
Reproduce the learning situation for better recall.
#6
Remember to repeat.
Incorporate new information gradually and repeat
it in timed intervals.
#7
Sleep well, think well.
Match chronotypes. Promote naps. Sleep on it.
#8
Stressed brains don't learn the same way.
Get control back into your life.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
Slide 61
Brain Rules 3
#9
Stimulate more of the senses.
To learn best, stimulate several senses at once.
#10 Vision trumps all other senses.
We learn and remember best through pictures.
#11 Male and female brains are different.
Create environments where gender differences
(gist and details) are both noted and celebrated.
#12 We are powerful and natural explorers.
Stay curious.
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
Slide 62
Conclusion 1
• We have examined the relationships between General
Semantics and Edward de Bono's 'Lateral Thinking' in
regard to problem solving.
• We have seen how many problem solving techniques and
concepts can be slotted into the FACT Method, which is
primarily based on divergent and convergent thinking, as
well as the recognition of different modes of thinking or
evaluating: thought, intuition, feeling, sensation.
As a man is, So he Sees. William Blake
A person does what he does because he sees the world
as he sees it. Alfred Korzybski
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Slide 63
Conclusion 2
Thus, it seems to me the best way of approaching
problem-solving is through an awareness of, and a
combination, of processes, techniques and perceptions
from a number of disciplines: General Semantics, Lateral
Thinking, Narratology, Psychology, Neuroscience, etc.
FAC(T)IFS
Earl Livings 2010
The FACT Method
Slide 64
Bibliography 1
De Bono, Edward. Edward De Bono’s Thinking Course.
Harlow: BBC Active, 2007, 1985.
De Bono, Edward. Serious Creativity. London: HarperCollins,
1992.
Hewson, David. 'Problem Solving with General Semantics'.
Etc, Summer 1996.
Kodish, Susan Presby and Kodish, Bruce I. Drive Yourself
Sane: Using the Uncommon Sense of General Semantics.
Pasadena: Extensional Publishing, 2001.
Medina, John. Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and
Thriving at Work, Home, and School. Seattle: Pear Press,
2008.
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Bibliography 2
Smith, Pamela Jaye. Inner Drives: How to Write & Create
Characters Using the Eight Classic Centers of Motivation.
Studio City: Michael Wise Productions, 2005.
Websites:
http://brilliantdreams.com/product/famousdreams.htm, 22
August 2010.
http://debonothinkingsystems.com/tools/valuemedals.htm, 9
August 2010.
http://ericdigests.org/1998-1/multiple.htm, 22 August 2010.
http://thisisnotthat.com/learn/language-perceptualprocess.pdf, 22 August 2010.
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The FACT Method
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