Tervashonka, Ari

Systematic analysis method for complex problem solving – balance of intuition and methodological procedurality

In historical research, as well as in various other investigative tasks, there is often a need to conceptually clarify and consider the sequence of events within a chosen time frame, as well as the scope of the subject. However, it is not always possible to arrive at a historically evidence-based conclusion and, at times, even completely opposing hypotheses about the sequence of events may remain equally plausible. I previously addressed this problem more narrowly in relation to the hermeneutic theory of systematic analysis (SAH-theory), but the issue of resolving superpositions of historical arguments and assumptions was left unexplored. Nevertheless, early stages in the development of the theory were fundamentally built upon problems related to assumptions of truth. When narratives provide contradictory signals, what is the actual truth? Or do two polarised narratives continue to exist side by side? From the point where two or, more rarely, multiple perspectives hold a similar value of truth, scope remains to take this issue further in research.

In this article, I analyse what systematic analysis offers as a method for solving complex and historically intertwined problems. The paper examines and presents the analytical means by which SAH-theory solves challenging truth-value problems. In terms of superposition as philosophy of history idea is limited to our view on related philosophy as an example of historical topic problem. The main purpose of this analysis is to provide methodological tools along with views on how these types of complex problems can be overcome through systematic analysis and what strategies and approaches are available. This inquiry into systematic analysis is conducted in relation to the philosophy of science in general and through practice papers on systematic analysis.

The meta-theoretical content of the article has been constructed using systematic thinking, the aim being to understand the theoretical components of systematic analysis and its extension theories in relation to the broader issues of reproducibility, scientific criteria, research strategies, creativity, and methodological procedurality. Together, these tools and views constitute general scientific methodological elements of systematic analysis which can be effectively applied to solve complex problems.

Cite: Tervashonka, Ari 2025. Systematic analysis method for complex problem solving – balance of intuition and methodological procedurality. Holistic Science Publications, Intellectual history archive, Finland. https://www.holistic-science-publications.com/i-h-archive2/