Excerpt
February 17, 2025, Opinion: "While computers in the age of AI possess the ability to follow data-driven problem solving approaches, they largely lack what is needed to solve complex and lingering societal problems: an important skill that I have termed insight-driven problem solving. René Descartes—The 17th-century French philosopher, scientist, and mathematician who revolutionized much of Western thought—is perhaps best known for declaring “cogito ergo sum,” meaning “I think, therefore I am.” Less known are his important contributions to problem solving. He advocated for a new paradigm in problem solving that emphasized the reliance on empirical evidence, logic, and analytical reasoning. His approach demanded a scientific resolution to solving problems which entailed diligent study and meticulous analysis. He was one of the proponents of what we know as reductionism. In his own words, to solve difficult problems, we must..."