SUO: RE: Re: Abstraction, Analogy, Example, Icon, Metaphor, Model, Morphism, Paradigm, Prototype, Simulation

["Philip Jackson" <phil.jackson@computer.org>]

Jon,

> It is just sorta difficult to talk to people who will not take the risk of
> articulating, however inarticulately, the meanings, one or many, that they
> have in mind.  I am guessing that it must be this prevalent (pre-ary)
sense
> that "There can be only one" that keeps all of the Immortals from wanting
> to stick their necks out, to keep a low profile, and all in all to remain
> on Holy Ground as much as possible.

It's difficult for most of us mortals to clearly express a single valid,
meaning -- given that we believe we have something worthwhile to say in the
first place. Only a bard can consistently express multiple valid meanings
simultaneously.

Scientists and engineers strive to avoid confusion...So they will tend not
to speak until they can speak very clearly....Yet you are right that in
order to develop new knowledge, and new concepts, people have to start
somewhere. The initial expression of new concepts may need to risk
ambiguity, and be clarified via dialog.

Also, in addressing the foundations of knowledge representation, we approach
the ineffable. Sometimes, until we learn more or can better understand what
we want to say, we have to follow Wittgenstein's maxim, "What we cannot
speak about, we must pass over in silence."

Nevertheless, it seems that the ongoing dialogs are making progress in at
least clarifying the issues, and gradually developing resolutions.

[...]
> As far as being positive goes, I will just keep
> writing what's come natural to me, and I will
> keep on hoping to see, a bit experimentally,
> what resonates with the enchoiry around me,
> and what it be that is fated to fall flat.

This is the best that anyone can do. My perception is that your
contributions to SUO have been well received, and I apologize if anything I
wrote somehow suggested otherwise.

Sincerely,

Phil
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