A system and methods for enhanced search are enabled by archetypes that improve the relevancy of the search arguments utilized, as well as the search results received, in response to a query. The system in preferred embodiments applies archetypes to several points within the total search process. The system receives and evaluates a query, and in response to that query may generate additional suggested areas for investigation, as embodied in additional queries, knowledge constructs, or other data items. The system generates additional search arguments, which may be multiple, and may relate the search arguments in a search structure. The system in some embodiments applies archetypes to improve filtering, ranking or otherwise prioritizing search results. The system in some embodiments applies archetypes to format search results. The system may be used in conjunction with a system to facilitate user thinking about an arbitrary problem.