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Uploaded June 19, 2011
New Ways to
Represent Complex
Systems & Processes
Author: Jeffrey G. Long ([email protected])
Date: November 2, 1994
Forum: Talk presented at a seminar of the George Washington University
Notational Engineering Laboratory (NEL).
Contents
Pages 1‐11: Slides (but no text) for oral presentation
License
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Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Page 1 of 11
Benjamin Whorf's thesis of linguistic relativity was summarized as follows:
"First, that all higher levels of thinking are dependent upon language. Second, that the structure of the language one habitually uses influences the manner in which one understands his environment. The picture of the universe shifts from tongue to tongue."1
Broadening this to apply to notational systems in general, we could say:
First, that all higher levels of thinking are dependent upon notational systems. Second, that the structure of the notational systems one habitually uses influence the manner in which one understands his environment. The picture of the universe shifts from notational system to notational system.
The Notational Hypothesis
1 -- John B. Carroll (Editor), Language, Thought, & Reality: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf. Cambridge MA: The M.I.T. Press, 1956. Page vi
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Page 2 of 11
Gestures
Speech
PhoneticWriting
Codes
Galaxies
Referential Tiers of Linguistic Notation
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Page 3 of 11
Ultra-Structure is a general theory regarding the improved representation of complex rules. It offers a new analytical framework for understanding complex systems and processes. It was originally derived from the linguist Noam Chomsky's work on transformational grammar, although his theory has been substantially modified. Ultra-Structure is based upon two key hypotheses:
The Ruleform Hypothesis: Complex systems are generated as a byproduct of processes, which can in turn be defined by "competency rules" (i.e. operating rules, strategy rules, and other kinds of rules). After translating a selection of competency rules into a canonical form, the rules can be grouped into a small number of classes called "ruleforms." While the competency rules of a system may change over time, the ruleforms will remain constant. All competency rules are executed by relatively few and simple "animation procedures." A well-designed collection of ruleforms can anticipate all logically possible competency rules that might apply to the system, and constitutes the deep structure of the system.
The CORE Hypothesis: A well-designed collection of ruleforms and animation procedures can support the competency rules (operating rules, strategy rule, and other kinds of rules) used by all systems sharing broad family resemblances, e.g. all corporations, all games, or all legal systems. These Competency Rule Engines, or COREs, consist of <50 ruleforms. The animation procedures for each engine are relatively simple compared to current applications, requiring less than 100,000 lines of code in a third generation language. The family differences in manifest structures and behaviors are represented entirely as differences in their competency rules.
Ultra-Structure is a New Notation for Complex Rules
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Page 4 of 11
1. The meeting will start at 10 AM.
2. y = ax + b
3. IF (TOTAL > 1000) THEN
TOTAL = TOTAL - (TOTAL * DISCOUNT)
END IF
4.
5.
OR
Rules are Ubiquitous
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
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No Smoking ($50 Fine) may be re-interpreted as:
(1) law-abiding citizens will not smoke (2) outlaw citizens who smoke and are caught and cited may be subject to a $50 fine It implies: (3) outlaw citizens may smoke if desired And, presumably: (4) patrolmen will seek outlaws and issue citations
All Rules are Descriptive
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
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<-------------------------------- Ruleform ------------------------------------> <---------- Factors ---------><-------------- Considerations ------------> LOCATION PERSON ACTION PERMIT ALT
RESTAURANT ADULT SMOKING NO $50 FINE Rule 1 STREET (ANY) SPITTING NO $75 FINE Rule 2 HOME ADULT SMOKING YES Rule 3 HOME MINOR SMOKING NO $50 FINE Rule 4 RESTAURANT MINOR DRINKING NO $200 FINE Rule 5
All Rules Can be Put Into a Canonical If/Then Form
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Page 7 of 11
Rules in Canonical Form
1 Factor 2 Factors 3 Factors
Agencies Locations Relationships
Rules in Raw Form
In That Form, They Can Be Further Grouped by Class
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
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Relat ionships Netw ork
Netw ork A ssertorsA ssertors
Cases
Cases
Time PeriodsTime Periods
Netw ork
Reporter/Case
Relat ions
StatementsClaimsConcept rons
The Resulting Deep Structure is a More Efficient Representation (This is the tentative deep structure of scientific arguments)
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
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The Basic Distinction is Form versus Content
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
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= Rules
= Ruleforms
Surface Structure
Middle Structure
Deep Structure
Animation Procedures
Featural Structure= Universals
= Particulars
= AbstractionsNotational Structure
(content of)
(grouped into)
Manifest behavior& structure
Records
Tables
Attributes
Character set
(generate)
(collected into)
Softw are
A New Analytical Framework for Complexity
Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Page 11 of 11
CORE/001: Artificial Life* CORE/160: Scientific Arguments* CORE/340: Laws* CORE/420: Language CORE/530: Physics CORE/570: Biology CORE/650: Organizations* CORE/780: Music* CORE/790: Games* * - actively underway
Goal: Discover the Deep Structure of a Variety of System Types