What a solution is

In the Oxford English Dictionary used by Google, a solution is “a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation”, but just like their definition for problem, it is too loose.

In Problem Traversal Theory...

A problem is when a sentient entity desires a thing to transition from a current state to a new state against resistance.

And...

A solution is a potential child problem that if cleared will decrease the overall resistance necessary to clear the parent problem.

The key word here is potential.

Solutions are potential desires, and once a specific solution is desired, it becomes a nested problem.

Here’s an example:

• Problem: I want my car to be red.
• Solution 1: I could want to paint my car with red paint.
• Solution 2: I could want to take my car to an Auto Paint Shop.
• Solution 3: I could want to color my car with a red crayon.
• Nested Problem: I want to take my car to an Auto Paint Shop.