Claude Shannon’s method for formulating and solving problems

rihegher wrote: post #2

Step 1: Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. Step 2: Fill your 'mental matrix' with solutions to similar problems. Step 3: Approach the problem from many different angles. Step 4: Break a big problem down into small pieces. Step 5: Solve the problem 'backwards.' Step 6: If you've solved the problem, extend that solution out as far as it will go.

At the risk of sounding trite -- it sounds almost like dynamic programming

Re: Claude Shannon’s method for formulating and solving problems

#7

Post by henrik_w » Mon, Aug 28, 2017, 2:04 PM UTC

Very good. Reminds me of the book "How to solve it" by Polya.

I also like the Feynman problem solving algorithm:

1) Write down the problem.

2) Think very hard.

3) Write down the solution.

Re: Claude Shannon’s method for formulating and solving problems

#8

Post by shubhamjain » Mon, Aug 28, 2017, 2:09 PM UTC

I was surprised at the recent surge in articles about Claude Shannon. Taking a closer look, I can see a brilliant case of how good marketing works. Most of these articles have been written by same authors who wrote the biography of Claude Shannon. Although, he is a respected figure but his reverence—or, better say, popularity—is nowhere near a famous businessman like Steve Jobs.

These articles work as a trigger to get interested in Claude Shannon and then, the book itself. And I am sure it's working. I am almost tempted to buy the book. Like many people, I certainly detest many marketing tactics but this is an example of one that has been done right and is even helpful.

Re: Claude Shannon’s method for formulating and solving problems

#9

Post by contingencies » Mon, Aug 28, 2017, 2:11 PM UTC

rihegher wrote: post #2

Step 1: Simplify. Simplify. Simplify. Step 2: Fill your 'mental matrix' with solutions to similar problems. Step 3: Approach the problem from many different angles. Step 4: Break a big problem down into small pieces. Step 5: Solve the problem 'backwards.' Step 6: If you've solved the problem, extend that solution out as far as it will go.

Shannon's six secrets: Simplification. Analogy. Reframing. Abstraction. Division. Inversion. - Claude Shannon (1954), a modern summary.

... added to my fortune database @ http://github.com/globalcitizen/taoup

Re: Claude Shannon’s method for formulating and solving problems

#10

Post by sailfast » Mon, Aug 28, 2017, 2:12 PM UTC

henrik_w wrote: post #7

Very good. Reminds me of the book "How to solve it" by Polya. I also like the Feynman problem solving algorithm: 1) Write down the problem. 2) Think very hard. 3) Write down the solution.

Came here to say this. Reading Polya now and there are lots of parallels! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_to_Solve_It