Final answer:
Humans often fail to consider all cases in problem-solving due to the brain's use of energy-saving heuristics and cognitive biases, which lead to reliance on familiar patterns and can result in overlooking alternative solutions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humans often overlook or fail to consider all possible cases when engaging in problem-solving because our brains utilize heuristics. These mental shortcuts allow us to draw inferences quickly but can lead to errors. When facing new or complex problems, the brain must switch from automatic to effortful thinking, which consumes more energy. Our biological predisposition, shaped by evolutionary pressures, is to conserve energy for vital functions and survival, potentially making us prone to cognitive biases.
As Kahneman suggests, we tend to rely on what has worked in the past, which is not always applicable to new situations. Furthermore, the presence of stress, fatigue, or a heightened focus on a particular aspect of a problem can make us less aware of other stimuli or options. The result is that we may miss unexpected findings or alternative solutions, thus remaining fixed on familiar thought patterns.