Term coined by Maltese-born UK psychologist, Dr. Edward de Bono, in his 1970 book, ‘ Lateral Thinking .’ Technique to generate Ideas and solve problems. New concepts-building looks for novel ways. Contrast logical, ‘vertical’ thinking that carries a chosen idea forward. Sideways, ‘lateral’ thinking uncovers new approaches, changing the frame of reference . Vertical thinking looks for problem resolution by meeting them head-on. Lateral thinking wants to bypass the problem by a radically different approach. Also refer to heuristics.
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
