Solution pluralism and metaheuristics

• Main Authors: Kimbrough, Steven O., KUO, Ann, LAU, Hoong Chuin, Murphy, Frederic H., Wood, David Harlan
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2011
• Subjects: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics; Computer Sciences; Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/3407; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sis_research/article/4408/viewcontent/solution_pluralism_position_MIC.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Solution pluralism is an approach to problem solving and deliberation. It employs a plurality of distinct solutions for a decision problem for aiding decision making. The concept is well established in existing practice, although perhaps not recognized as such. This paper: (1) presents the concept as a generalization of established practice, (2) briefly describes successful uses of the concept in practice, and (3) presents several areas that appear would benefit from application of the concept. Throughout, the role of metaheuristics in finding the pluralities of solutions is emphasized.