I would think they would use the language of mathematics, and I'm not
sure how it would contribute to an understanding of emergence. Others
whose knowledge of geometry is fresher than mine could explain it
better, but basically, once the length of the sides of a triangle is
fixed, by drivin
Its an application of basic geometry.
If the struts of the triangle are made of materials that do not
stretch, compress, or flex (outside of acceptable parameters for the
construction in question), then the triangle is *stable*--even if the
joints are frictionless pivots. This is essentially becau
John
Forgive what is going to seem like an odd response. I keep wanting people to
give me an account in terms of FORCES. So, it is not for me, who is seeking
advice on an explanation, to dictate what SORT of an explanation is
satisfactory. However, explanations like the the one you kind
James,
Your explanation is in terms of the arrangement of the parts... arrangement
and connection, if you will. Am I correct?
Would you characterize that explanation as a reductive one? This is not a
trick question. I genuinely want to know.
And should one speak of downward causation h
In what field, I wonder, do they discuss the greater strength of
some configurations of members vis -a vis others. SOMEBODY offered
me the answer to that question, but I have forgotten what the answer
was. Some sort of mechanics elementary? Can anybody remember
or provide the info
STATICS!
That was it!
Thank you steve.
N
Nicholas S. Thompson
Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Ethology,
Clark University (nthomp...@clarku.edu)
http://home.earthlink.net/~nickthompson/naturaldesigns/
> [Original Message]
> From: Stephen Guerin
> To: ; The Friday Morning Applied Co
James Steiner wrote:
Its an application of basic geometry.
If the struts of the triangle are made of materials that do not
stretch, compress, or flex (outside of acceptable parameters for the
construction in question), then the triangle is *stable*--even if the
joints are frictionless pivots. Th
Nick,
Since you are looking for emergence, you don't expect to get a complete
explanation of the strength of a triangle in terms of the strength of its
parts. Part of the strength of the triangle has to do with how the parts are
structured with respect to each other. I suspect that no matter how a
Nick -
But surely we cannot reduce the strength of a triangle to the strength
of its parts because the strength of a triangle depends on the
ARRANGEMENT of those parts. And arrangement is not a property of any
of the parts.
after my missive on Tolerancing and my claim that "Emergence" requires
Steve,
I think "wavering and curious" is the only sane way to be!
N
Nicholas S. Thompson
Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Ethology,
Clark University (nthomp...@clarku.edu)
http://home.earthlink.net/~nickthompson/naturaldesigns/
> [Original Message]
> From: Steve Smith
> To: ; The Frid
I have to admit, I've just reached the limit of my competence. I don't
know what it means for an explanation to be reductive. I'll have to go
read something about that--my lack of formal education is exposed.
A triangle (made of parts) is the name for a particular arrangement of
parts. If you arra
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