There is an additional source of ambiguity in the normal use of the term problem solving. A typical user of the computer has a problem he wants solved, and the computer, appropriately programmed, produces the answer. We ambiguously attribute problem solving both to the man and to the computer (that is, to the instrument). We say “the man solved his problem,” and also “the computer solved his problem.” The ambiguity is fostered by chains of instrumental action in which a man (or a computer) is both the instrument and the initiator. Thus, Man X has a problem and gives it to his assistant, Man Y, to solve. Man Y uses the computer to solve it. The computer program, in turn, uses some other programs to solve the problem, and perhaps also a human operator to mount tapes. Who is now the problem solver? English lets us avoid such decisions by permitting us to use the term problem solver for any link in the chain.