[XML-DEV Mailing List Archive Home] [By Thread] [By Date] [Recent Entries] [Reply To This Message] RE: Beyond Ontologies
>From what I have read, a characteristic of complex systems is that small >changes/differences are magnified. They even have a name for this >characteristic - the Butterfly Effect >Butterfly Effect - a butterfly stirring the air today in Peking can >transform storm systems next month in New York. This comes from Lorentz' computerized modeling of weather systems http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&q=lorentz+butterfly+effe ct , if very small numerical changes are made in inputs, outputs are radically different. This was shown by repetition of the experiments. >Beta vs VHS The usage of Beta vs. VHS as an example of this would be proper in what should be seen as an insignificant change had widely divergent results in the success of the formats. If for example Bob Jones investing in VHS equipment three days later results in a totally new format being the winner. Although I understand that Economics has examples with which the butterfly effect is analogous, I doubt that Beta vs VHS could be a good one of these. >Rummy World This example seems more in common with most arguments about memetics. >Conclusions: the Web is a complex system. Semantics changes. The problem with complexity is that just about everything is a complex system when considered deeply enough. Studying of complexity in a web environment sounds interesting, I wonder what kind of experiments could be constructed. An obvious sort would be transmissions of viruses, email lists, and so forth. With the Rummy World here is a possible scenario: compose ten reasonably similar phrases, have them repeated a number of times on various popular blogs, see how prevalent these phrases become in the exoteric culture. Variations of this would probably be superior for purposes of studying Semantic Changes across a web culture. (neat title for a thesis there I think)
|
PURCHASE STYLUS STUDIO ONLINE TODAY!Purchasing Stylus Studio from our online shop is Easy, Secure and Value Priced! Download The World's Best XML IDE!Accelerate XML development with our award-winning XML IDE - Download a free trial today! Subscribe in XML format
|