The essence of problem-solving methods: making assumptions to gain efficiency

In this paper we present the following view on problem-solving methods for knowledge-based systems: Problem-solving methods describe an efficient reasoning strategy for achieving a goal by introducing assumptions about the available domain knowledge and the required functionality. Assumptions, dynamic reasoning behavior, and functionality are the three elements necessary to characterize a problem-solving method. In this paper we elaborate this argument and introduce a framework for characterizing and developing such efficient problem solvers.