Ariadne's thread, named for the legend of Ariadne, is solving a problem by multiple means - such as a physical maze, a logic puzzle, or an ethical dilemma - through an exhaustive application of logic to all available routes. It is the particular method used that is able to follow completely through to trace steps or take point by point a series of found truths in a contingent, ordered search that reaches an end position. This process can take the form of a mental record, a physical marking, or even a philosophical debate; it is the process itself that assumes the name. Implementation The key element to applying Ariadne's thread to a problem is the creation and maintenance of a record - physical or otherwise - of the problem's available and exhausted options at all times. This record is referred to as the "thread", regardless of its actual medium. The purpose the record serves is to permit backtracking - that is, reversing earlier decisions and trying alternatives. Given the record, applying the algorithm is straightforward: In short, trial and error approaches a desired solution; Ariadne's thread blindly exhausts the search space completely, finding any and all solutions. Each has its appropriate distinct uses. They can be employed in tandem - for example, although the editing of a Wikipedia article is arguably a trial-and-error process (given how in theory it approaches an ideal state), article histories provide the record for which Ariadne's thread may be applied, reverting detrimental edits and restoring the article back to the most recent error-free version, from which other options may be attempted. References Solving Sudoku Step-by-step guide by Michael Mepham; includes history of Ariadne's thread and demonstration of application Constructing Sudoku A flow chart shows how to construct and solve Sudoku by using Ariadne's thread (back-tracking technique) Ariadne and the Minotaur: The Cultural Role of a Philosophy of Rhetoric Article by Andrea Battistini detailing Ariadne's thread as a philosophical metaphor Philosophy in Labyrinths A study of the logic behind and meaning of labyrinths; includes rather literal interpretations of Ariadne's thread. Category: Philosophical methodology Category:Logic Category:Problem solving
Ariadne's thread, named for the legend of Ariadne, is solving a problem by multiple means — such as a physical maze, a logic puzzle, or an ethical dilemma — through an exhaustive application of logic to all available routes. It is the particular method used that is able to follow completely through to trace steps or take point by point a series of found truths in a contingent, ordered search that reaches an end position. This process can take the form of a mental record, a physical marking, or even a philosophical debate; it is the process itself that assumes the name. Implementation The key element to applying Ariadne's thread to a problem is the creation and maintenance of a record — physical or otherwise — of the problem's available and exhausted options at all times. This record is referred to as the "thread", regardless of its actual medium. The purpose the record serves is to permit backtracking — that is, reversing earlier decisions and trying alternatives. Given the record, applying the algorithm is straightforward: In short, trial and error approaches a desired solution; Ariadne's thread blindly exhausts the search space completely, finding any and all solutions. Each has its appropriate distinct uses. They can be employed in tandem — for example, although the editing of a Wikipedia article is arguably a trial-and-error process (given how in theory it approaches an ideal state), article histories provide the record for which Ariadne's thread may be applied, reverting detrimental edits and restoring the article back to the most recent error-free version, from which other options may be attempted. References Solving Sudoku Step-by-step guide by Michael Mepham; includes history of Ariadne's thread and demonstration of application Constructing Sudoku A flow chart shows how to construct and solve Sudoku by using Ariadne's thread (back-tracking technique) Ariadne and the Minotaur: The Cultural Role of a Philosophy of Rhetoric Article by Andrea Battistini detailing Ariadne's thread as a philosophical metaphor Philosophy in Labyrinths A study of the logic behind and meaning of labyrinths; includes rather literal interpretations of Ariadne's thread. Category: Logic Category:Philosophical analogies Category:Philosophical methodology Category:Problem solving
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Philosophical methodology Category:Logic
Logic Category:Philosophical analogies Category:Philosophical methodology