We are following a vision for the integration of knowledge, which we propose to describe and define on an algebraic structure we call "The Closed Loop"
This is an ambitious objective, involving many ideas that are not in common knowledge or widely accepted, so our immediate objective is to develop a careful and precise method to describe this process, and show how its widely diverse elements can be interpreted as a single idea
The "Closed Loop" is a topological structure which is formed by twisting a simple topological object we call "the strip" and then connecting it back to itself, in the form of a "Moebius Strip", which takes the form of a closed loop
"The strip" is a simple algebraic generalization of the concept of hierarchy defined as "the many/one relationship", as "the one" is partitined into "the many" by a process of discriminating stipulative definition
This is interesting because there many definitions from a wide array of traditionally independent subjects that can be defined on this single structure
This seems to open open a powerful and promising pathway towards establishing a solid common foundation for the collective human exploration or truth -- in all fields of inquiry and expertise
PROJECT DESIGN
Outline project vision and general dimensions
Begin exact definition of "the strip" in all its facets and interpretations
The strip is defined in (is composed of) "intervals", and every facet of it is defined as an interval
Many of the basic/foundational idea of mathematics and ontology can be defined on the strip
These definitions can be universalized.
Show the closure of the strip into a loop
VISION
Existence/being prior to all analysis is a neutral/unmarked/undifferentiated space with no characteristics
This idea has many precedents and interpretations in the history of philosophy
This "prior to all form" space is analogous to "the continuum", and might be consistent with or a definition of the continuum
This space may be consistent with or the same thing as the concept of "upper ontology"
This unmarked space is "the common blackboard" on which all semantics and conceptual structure is written/defined
In human beings, "motivation arises" (from somewhere, somehow) to define distinctions on this space, creating ways to conceptualize and encode similarities and differences with a system of labels
As distinctions and motivation arise, this unmarked space can take any form, and describe any "thing"
These distinctions take the form of words, letters, numbers and symbols, creating a semantics and system of categories
This process can be defined with digital mathematical precision
Any abstract object at any level of complexity can be defined by this process
It may be possible to define a "generic algebraic object" (like a "synthetic dimension") for defining all abstract construction, including quantitative and qualitative properties
All of mathematics, all of language and all of logic can be constructed in this way, working with a basic motivation function creating distinctions and assigning abstract structure and labels (words, sounds, labels, gestures, "signs", etc.)
This project could emerge as a collaborative network across multiple sectors, each with their own motivation, contributions and issues
THE CLOSED LOOP
This project is defined on a topological structure that can be described as a "strip" (when seen in the flat 2-dimensional plane) or as a "loop" when subjected to a twist connecting point A and D and points C and B. This form is known as a "Moebius Strip", which is described as a continuous loop with one side and one edge.
We are defining our basic "strip" hierarchy in this way because it forms a closed space that functions as a "container" for everything within it
THE TECHNICAL/PHILOSOPHIC CHALLENGE
When defined in classical mathematical and scientific/philosophic terms, this process involves a "massive simultaneity" of interdependent concepts and facets fitting together into one structure
This process is a convergence or a fusion
These generic definitions are suitable for "interdisciplinary mediation", because the broad principles are applicable for study or development across the complete sciences/humanities spectrum
THE STRIP/LOOP MODEL IS INTENDED TO BE CONSISTENT WITH
Basic well-understood mathematics
Classical models of "the whole" or "the one"
Classical theology from a variety of traditions (Judeo-Christian/Indic/Buddhist)
THEORY OF MEANING
The closed loop project includes and implies a theory of meaning, that considers
How meaning is created, through intention, assertion and stipulation
The structural composition of meaning
The definition of words and concepts - how meaning is constructed
Exploratory thesis: meaning may involve "making a point" (in a n-dimensional space) where "the point" is a bounded range defined in semantic rather than standard dimensional terms
PRINCIPLES OF OPTIMIZATION
It is clear that there are "many ways" to define or construct most or all of these objects and elements independently, and this multiplicity can appear to be "controversial", since there is no apparent basis for agreement among these methods, and no active connection or collaboration between schools of thought
We argue that defining algebraic and semantic terms independent of some comprehensive system of definitions is misleading. Terms only have a meaning within a system where they play a well-defined role
We are supposing that there is "one best method" for combining all of these elements into one common/shared framework, and the principles that govern this process why it is "the best way" can be clarified and made precise
These principles certainly do include "Occam's Razor" and many other principles of good design involving simplicity and minimalism
We are supposing that there are criteria for "linearly optimizing" the dimensions and features of this project, using "shortest path" principle that maximize processing speed and minimize complexity
COSMOLOGY
The entire idea can possibly be understood as a cosmology, or a framework with implications for cosmology
It might be related to Sir Arthur Eddington's argument that physics can be deduced from epistemology
The approach might be based on the principle that all science and physics and cosmology is actually defined in "concepts", which are disembodied models of reality, reinforced by mathematics and empirical observation
COLLABORATIVE BRAINSTORMING
Build breadth of scope and application: Collect and organize similar and related visions from all over the world and throughout the history of civilization
Reduce redundancy: List and organize processes and methods that appear to be highly analogous (similar) in some way
Explore consistency with existing domain-specific ontologies and consider methods of generalization. Can domain-specific models be understood as special-cases instances of broader principles?
INTERVALS
The Loop/Strip model is constructed in all dimensions and regards in terms of "bounded intervals". Every facet of the structure is defined by or as an interval.
THIS STRUCTURE IS A SIGNIFICANT ANALOGY WITH
Basic structure of abstraction
Basic structure of hierarchy
Basic structure of taxonomy
Basic structure or meronomy - part/whole relations
Basic structure of holism
Hierarchy of value types (statistics, Stanley Smith Stevens)
Binary or decimal number system and systems of measurement
SCIENTIFIC MACHINE-COMPATIBLE EPISTEMOLOGY
This model supports a complete mathematical theory of epistemology, including definitions of all basic terms from epistemology
These terms include concepts like metaphor, similarity, analogy, simile, difference, equality, abstraction, generalization, and many others
Many common pairs of "opposites" from epistemology can be given definitions on this framework, including pairs like "abstract/concrete" or "universal/particular" or "inductive/deductive" or "synthetic/analytic" or "bottom-up/top-down"
Many types of "variables" can be defined on this framework, including the common terms from statistics "ratio, interval, ordinal and nominal"
A COMPLETE THEORY OF MEASUREMENT AND DIMENSONAL ANALYSIS
Define dimension
Define unit
Define comparison with a template
COMPUTER-SCIENCE GROUNDED CONSTRUCTIVISM
It may be possible to avoid many confusing or controversial issues from traditional philosophy by enforcing a "machine compatible constructivism" over terms and definitions.
LINKS
https://www.cs.uleth.ca/~fitzpat/apex-calculus/sec_continuity.html
https://www.cs.uleth.ca/~fitzpat/apex-calculus/sec_limit_def.html
https://www.cs.uleth.ca/~fitzpat/apex-calculus/sec_limits_one_sided.html
https://www.apexcalculus.com/
https://www.cs.uleth.ca/~fitzpat/apex-calculus/index-1.html -- index of terms