Heuristic

:For heuristics in computer science, see heuristic (computer science)

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Heuristic is the art and science of discovery and invention. The word comes from the same Greek root as "eureka": εὑρισκω, which means "I find". A heuristic is a way of directing your attention fruitfully. The term was introduced by Pappus of Alexandria in the 4th century.

Related Topics:
Eureka - Pappus of Alexandria - 4th century

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The mathematician George Polya popularized heuristic in the twentieth century in his book How to Solve It. He learned mathematical proofs as a student, but didn't know how mathematicians think of proofs, nor was this taught. How to Solve It is a collection of ideas about heuristics that he taught to math students: ways of looking at problems and casting about for solutions.

Related Topics:
George Polya - Twentieth century - How to Solve It - Proofs

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Some commonplace heuristics, all from How to Solve It:

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• If you are having difficulty understanding a problem, try drawing a picture.
• If you can't find a solution, try assuming that you have a solution and seeing what you can derive from that ("working backward").
• If the problem is abstract, try examining a concrete example.
• Try solving a more general problem first (the "inventor's paradox": the more ambitious plan may have more chances of success).

Grammatical note: The name of the topic is heuristic (not "heuristics"), a particular technique of directing your attention toward discovery is a heuristic, two or more of these are heuristics, and the adjective for "pertaining to how something is discovered" is heuristic.

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Heuristic: Psychology ►