Analogical problem solving is a strategy that involves using knowledge from one situation (the “source”) to solve a new, similar problem (the “target”). It’s like saying, “This reminds me of something I’ve solved before—how can I apply that solution here?”
For example, if you know how blood flows through veins, you might use that analogy to design a city’s traffic system, comparing roads to blood vessels. Scientists, engineers, and everyday thinkers often rely on analogies because they help us transfer insights across different fields.
This method highlights the creativity of human thinking—we don’t always need brand-new ideas; we can adapt old ones to new challenges. However, analogical reasoning can also mislead if the situations are not truly comparable. Developing awareness of how we use analogies helps sharpen both problem-solving and communication.