Poor Problem-Solving

Poor Problem-Solving-Satisficing

Satisficing implies identifying and implementing a solution that is “good
enough.” According to Herb Simon, who coined the term, the tendency to ‘satisfice’
results in solving problems which do not lead to optimal solutions. Most often, people
look for solutions that had worked for them before. There may be better ways to reach
the outcome, but they simply ignore them. Searching for alternative and superior
solutions might entail an extra cost. The alternative solution might not prove worthy
enough, if the extra costs are not justified. On the other hand, the implicit costs of
ignoring the alternative solution can be relatively greater if the chosen solution, based
on prior experience, fails to deliver the expected outcome.

Michael Slote (“Satisficing Consequentialism”) gives the following examples of
satsificing. One involves a fairy-tale hero who, when rewarded by the gods with whatever
he asks for, just asks for himself and his family to be comfortably well-off. Another
involves a motel owner who gives some stranded motorists the first available room
rather than the best available room.