Lateral Thinking Puzzles
Edward de Bono first coined the phrase "lateral thinking" to refer to a process of thinking that is different from the normal linear (forward) thinking to which we are accostomed. In traditional reasoning, we progress lofically from one step to the next. However, in lateral thinking, we must deliberately abondone this process in order to eliminate inhibitions. We then try to solve problems in different, random, or lateral ways.
Lateral thinking problems seem unlikely or illogical. The optimum way to solve the problem is to identify the "set of circumstances" that describe the situation.
Process for Solving Lateral Thinking Puzzles
- Form teams of four people (three is OK, five is too many)
- One team member (perhaps one who already knows the solution to the problem) will serve as the quizmaster and be given the solution to the puzzle
- Team members ask questions of the quizmaster that be can answered with the following responses:
- Based on these answers, team members try to solve the problem as quickly as possible
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