I would add as a counter-example that the problem of explaining mankind’s nature and origin becomes solvable when the problem is extended to the problem of explaining the nature and origin of every species in the biosphere. The problem of explaining Mary’s illness may become easier if it is broadened to the problem of explaining the illness of the 20 people who became sick immediately after the company picnic.
To my mind narrowness should not be called a virtue. Instead we have the tactic or heuristic of narrowing, which is frequently successful. But a skilled pedagogue will present this tactic paired with the tactic of broadening, which is also frequently successful. The trick, of course is to choose the right tactic. Or perhaps to know when to switch tactics when the originally chosen one isn’t working.
I think I agree with you, majus.
I would add as a counter-example that the problem of explaining mankind’s nature and origin becomes solvable when the problem is extended to the problem of explaining the nature and origin of every species in the biosphere. The problem of explaining Mary’s illness may become easier if it is broadened to the problem of explaining the illness of the 20 people who became sick immediately after the company picnic.
To my mind narrowness should not be called a virtue. Instead we have the tactic or heuristic of narrowing, which is frequently successful. But a skilled pedagogue will present this tactic paired with the tactic of broadening, which is also frequently successful. The trick, of course is to choose the right tactic. Or perhaps to know when to switch tactics when the originally chosen one isn’t working.