Problem solving is the cognitive and computational process of overcoming obstacles to achieve a desired goal state when the method for reaching the goal is not immediately obvious. This academic concept investigates the strategies, algorithms, and psychological mechanisms underlying the identification, analysis, and resolution of problems across diverse domains and systems, including human cognition, artificial intelligence, and organizational contexts. Its key characteristics include goal-directedness and the necessity of navigating through unknown or challenging steps, highlighting its significance as a fundamental aspect of intelligence, learning, and adaptation in both natural and artificial systems.