PRESENT TIME PROBLEM, 1. technically, a special problem that exists in the physical universe now, on which the pc has his attention fixed. (HCOB 31 Mar 60) 2. is one that exists in present time, in a real universe. It is any set of circumstances that so engages the attention of the preclear that he feels he should be doing something about it instead of being audited. (HCOB 3 Jul 59) 3. a present time problem is one which has its elements in the material universe in present time, which is going on now, and which would demand the preclear’s attention to such an extent that he would feel he had better be doing something about it rather than be audited. (HCOB 16 Dec 57) 4. any worry that keeps a pc out of session, which worry must exist in present time in the real universe. (PAB 142) Abbr. PTP.
PROBLEM, 1. a problem is postulate-counter-postulate, terminal-counter-terminal, force-counter-force. It’s one thing versus another thing. You’ve got two forces or two ideas which are interlocked of comparable magnitude and the thing stops right there. All right, now with these two things one stuck against the other you get a sort of a timelessness, it floats in time. (SH Spec 82, 6111C21) 2. a problem is a postulate-counter-postulate resulting in indecision. That is the first manifestation of problems, and the first consequence of a problem is indecision. (SH Spec 27, 6107C11) 3. a multiple confusion. (SH Spec 26X, 6107C03) 4. an intention counter-intention that worries the preclear. (HCOB 23 Feb 61) 5. a problem is the conflict arising from two opposing intentions. A present time problem is one that exists in present time, in a real universe. (HCOB 3 Jul 59) 6. something which is persisting, the as-is-ness of which cannot be attained easily. (PRO 16, 5408CM20)
Hubbard, L. R., (1975) Dianetics and Scientology Technical Dictionary. Los Angeles: Church of Scientology of California Publications Organization.