Modelling

Author: Giuliano Vitali

2002-02-01

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 A Definition of Model

1.2 Modelling

1.2 Modelling in the Large

 

2. Modelling Tools

2.1 Conceptual Modelling

2.2 Logics and Rules

2.3 Formalism

2.4 Programming

2.5 The OO Paradigm - ST

 

A. Appendixes

A.1 Smalltalk

A.3 Java Beginner

A.2 Linux Beginner

 

1. Introduction

1.1 A Definition of MODEL

Any Complex System has a part which is out of our perception and understanding. Each of the features we understand are represented by models, and the System itself can be represented as ONE model, IF its parts are modelled by means of a UNIQUE formalism.

Model is everything (real or unreal) reflects the features of a Complex System we are interested in, into KNOWN Models.

Model is a part of a whole as much as a whole.

Model is an idea, an equation, a program, an object or a particular person.

Metaphores are tools allowing to put in evidence the similarities between models.

1.2 Modeling

The best tool we can use to model is our brain; ideas, paradigms, archetipes are models. Psychology with all of its sub- and contiguous disciplines together with cognitive sciences are working since many years on the frameworks of mind and society information comunication.

Modeling has two radically different meanings:

  • Modeling (1) is Looking for hidden rules, extract knowledge from information.
  • Modeling (2) Using already made models, testing and validating them on experimenta data: such activity does'nt produce knowledge; also combining modules (e.g. logical, graphical,...) does not produce new knowledge.

The true success for Scientific Discovery does not occur when the model fit data, but when DOES NOT: in those DATA SET there is NEW KNOWLEDGE to be discovered !

However modeling (2) has not to be deprecated, it is a normal activity the researcher pursues, but it has to be meant as a FIRST step of analisys, being the model identification and creastion (1) the succestive step.

1.3 Modeling in the Large (ML)

ML is the art of combining Models meant in a general sense.

ML is looking for a Standard for Model Data Base definition

ML is looking for a Protocol to allow for Modules to comunicate to one another

ML is looking for Interfaces between different formalisms

2. Modelling Tools

The best tool we can use to model is our brain, a machine able to coin continuously ideas, paradigms, archetipes, all of them are models.

Modeling is nothing that looking for new meaning, discovering hidden rules, extract knowledge from information.

Modelling meant as using already

  • Computer science together with Psychology are the parents of the cognitive sciences are working since many years on the frameworks of mind and society information comunication.

 

TOP

MORE INFO ...

The subjects above are all Work in Progress ... which means:

1. They have been started and objectives and technology are largely defined

2. You can obtain Know How IF you decide to partecipate

3. Your partecipation is meant in term of Resources = People and/or Founds

 

Contact: Giuliano Vitali