IDEAS

An idea is a thought, a mental representation of something such as a concept, plan, or solution. It can be a belief, hypothesis, or proposal. Ideas are often the starting point for actions, arguments, or further inquiry, and they are distinct from established facts or verified knowledge.

Ideas arise from experiences, observation, problem solving, and collaboration. They can be novel or incremental. Common methods for generating ideas include brainstorming, analogy, cross-domain transfer, and deliberate creativity techniques. Incubation and unconscious processing can also contribute.

Ideas can be descriptive (concepts), prescriptive (strategies or recipes), or evaluative (judgments). They may be personal or shared and can evolve into theories, inventions, or movements.

Evaluation involves reasoning, testing, prototyping, and feedback. Criteria such as feasibility, desirability, and viability help select ideas for development. Realization requires planning, iteration, and resource allocation; in some cases, intellectual property protections may apply.

Ideas influence science, technology, culture, and policy. Philosophically, they relate to theories of knowledge, belief, and meaning. Social context, ethics, and risk shape which ideas are pursued and how they are applied.

See also: creativity; innovation; brainstorming; design thinking; philosophy of mind; concept.