There are some interesting cross connects between this conversation and one going on in parallel in a philosophy of science course Laura and I are involved with (cf week 11).

"What scares me about the word 'interesting' is its subjective connotation" .... perhaps some measure of "subjectivity" is actually inherent in all inquiry? and, properly recognized/used, an asset rather than a liability, a feature rather than a bug?

"anything interesting is also a solution to a problem: the problem of whether or not our knowledge is complete/the problem of whether or not our knowledge of the completeness of our knowledge is correct" ... To perhaps put it differently, "interesting" is something that causes us to recognize that our understanding is incomplete. One might characterize that itself as a problem or, as Jesse does, as the answer to a problem/question. One might also characterize it as ... exciting, a take off point for continuing productive inquiry?