To be able to manipulate the outcomes of situations which represent contradictory problems, we need to have in place a representation, as well as a set of tools and an environment model in which to do so. This section will briefly explain the theoretical basis of Extenics and describe the general model of thought in an Extenics problem. The three pillars of Extenics Theory are Basic Element, Extension Set and Extension Logic. Extenics Theory maps all components of a given problem into elements, which provides the basis for a working model of the problem. These are called Basic Elements and consist of the triplet formed by an object, action or relation, a possibly infinite number of characteristics and their corresponding value relating to the object.