Marshall Clemens wrote:
> Ricardo Ribeiro Gudwin wrote:
>
> > Hmmm ...
> > I can imagine, e.g., that a model for a line by an equation y = ax + b
> > is a somewhat "holistic" understanding for an infinite set of points,
>
> There is nothing wrong with having holistic concepts/lables. But I
> believe the only reason y = ax + b means anything to you is becasue you
> understand the 'reductionsist' explanation behind it. You then use the
> mathematical symbol y = ax + b to stand for that set of detailed mental
> models and images.
holism is a systems concept....this example will not take us very far. Try
abbot's "Flatland" as an alternative.Don
>
>
> Or, to put it another way: what would you say to someone who asked you
> "what does y = ax + b mean?" I don't beleive there is any way to
> describe a whole without resorting to a reductionist explanation. If
> you can think of an example please let me know.
>
> Marshall Clemens