What makes an 'open problem'? Researchers propose two criteria
abeirami · x · 2026-09-03
HessamMahdavi proposes a research-culture distinction: a problem deserves to be called an "open problem" only if (i) most researchers in its field have at least heard of it, and (ii) a good number have attempted to solve it. Otherwise it's merely a "research problem." The quip sparked discussion about the misuse of the term.
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