Re: Development: A Structured Problem Area?

On Mon, 2004-06-14 at 19:32, Derek Richardson wrote:
> I am currently comparing the theories supporting craft and engineering
> approaches to development. Both Dreyfus and Dreyfus in _Mind Over Machine_ and
> Donald Schon in _The Reflective Practitioner_ differentiate between structured
> and unstructured problems. Computers and mathematics can solve structured
> problems, while human intution is required for unstructured problems:

I believe that the design of computer programs is "unstructured," in the
Dreyfus sense of the word.  Colloquially, it's a "messy problem".  

Any reasonably sized software system will exhibit emergent properties
and at least some degree of complex (not complicated, but complex as in
non-linear) behaviors.  As with social systems, the interesting part is
in the relationships between objects and subsystems, and not as much the
objects themselves.  I think that's just the nature of the beast; it's
not like we have to conquer any problem to make it a structured
activity.  Where we err is in trying to attack non-linear, complex,
"unstructured" problems using simplistic, linear tools. 

BTW, these are the same Mssrs. Dreyfus who came up with the Skills
Acquisition Model that Dave and I speak on frequently.  Good stuff. 

You might also want to read up on Stan Lester's work on "Model A" vs.
"Model B" professions.  His key points on a "Model B" profession (akin
to Dreyfus's "unstructured"):

* Requires creativity
* Features Messy, divergent problems
* Requires Constructivism---Knowledge is situational and unique (e.g.
don't dissect the frog, build it)
* Emphasizes Value (model B) vs. truth (model A)
* Uses intelligent intuition (abductive, inductive, deductive reasoning)
* Suggests you should build a portfolio of learningful activity
* Success by Reflection, refinement, inquiry and synthesis

These come from notes from an unpublished paper I started to write on
the whole Dreyfus arena.  One of these days I might finish it :-)

/\ndy

-- 
  Andy Hunt, The Pragmatic Bookshelf
             Practical Books for Pragmatic Programmers
             2004 Jolt Productivity Award Winner
  Toll-free: 800-699-7764                  direct: 919-847-3884
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