© BAYER 1997
THE HOLISTIC WHOLE
Ben Bayer
Adelaide, Australia
Abstract. The paper endorses the view
that everything is linked within a comprehensive coherent Whole which is
both boundless and finite. The Matrix, a conceptual framework which integrates
the four elements feel/think/act/time into a single Holistic landscape
of values and entities, allows uninhibited all time compliance with this
view. The universes of science, art, philosophy, linguistics, once expressed
in words, are all capable of graphical accommodation within the framework.
The word/meaning nexus is captured in the Matrix expressions, usually in
numerical form with radicals and fractals. The emerging lexicon of key
words supports meaningful coherent relationships in the Matrix landscape
both in focus and perspective. Single and polar words are highlighted.
Boxes are rejected and paradigms strongly promoted. The faceted format
for articulating definitions provides a valuable series/parallel continuum
which helps comprehension and stimulates comprehensive development.
Values and relationships are of core importance to the mental processes
and the more external borders are thinned out, in the move towards a global
learning society, the more critical becomes a proper grasp of relationships.
A tensorial integration formula is postulated to provide a linkage between
three basic parameters: Quality, Entity and Quantity. The sensitive concept
of Equivalence, as distinct from equality, is discussed and forms a prime
element in converting familiar non-linear relationships into the orthogonal
linearity of the Matrix. Critical versus creative thinking is examined
and the context extended to include logic (25.0), reason (75.0), rationality
(55.0), legitimacy (77.58), morality (97.58) and metricity (99.55).
Optimisation (59.96), as opposed to maximisation, is seen as providing
the fairest and most effective base for revitalisation and moving past
conflict resolution towards new levels of proactive harmonious prosperity.
1. Introduction
This paper considers representing the essence of human information and
experience within a single all inclusive framework of reference.
It endorses the view that everything is linked within a comprehensive
coherent whole, a whole that is both boundless and finite.
2. The Framework
The Matrix provides the conceptual framework within which all concepts
and entities are projected. It is a framework which integrates the four
elements feel/think/act/time into a single holistic landscape of values
and entities, allowing visualisation of conceptual notions and relationships
graphically and numerically. Of modular construct with decimal continuity,
it forms a universal framework accommodating conceptual totality and functional
flexibility.
A 4-page MATRIX STATEMENT giving details of the Matrix construction,
its rationale and a number of associated corollaries is readily available.
It can be downloaded from the Internet, Web site http://www.ozemail.com.au/~bayerben/
2.1 Compliance
The Matrix is a tool in the hands of the user and as such its output
is linked to the input of the Beholder. This makes individual perception
an integral factor in its functioning. Its construction, based on perceptual
elements we all relate to, allows relative ease of compliance and verification
when projecting values and entities. The universes of science, art, philosophy,
linguistics, once expressed in words, are all capable of graphical accommodation
within the framework.
With respect to scientific knowledge, I would like to highlight three
towering milestones of modern science:
· Newton’s laws and the theory of universal gravitation
· Einstein’s special and general theories of relativity
· Quantum mechanics
These scientific landmarks deal with laws governing respectively mechanistic
relationships, holistic relativistic correlations, and probabilities. This
can be transposed in highly simplified mainstream words to laws covering
causality, interactions and uncertainty.
It is also suggested as a broad generalisation that laws are natural
and rules are man made.
2.2 The Matrix coverage
The full spread of the Matrix coverage lends itself to a basic lexicon
of key words and meanings which could be associated with each of the Squares.
Such linkage would present a general first order of relationships as the
flexibility of the Matrix, through its mobility to suit purpose, allows
other patterns to be projected.
The following tabulation is intended only as a draft open ended display
of some of this lexicon, covering elements within a third of the Matrix
landscape.
|
39.9 agreement
39.5 accommodation
39.0 negotiation
35.9 liberation
35.5 freedom
35.0 protection
33.9 disruption
33.5 conflict
33.0 aggression |
69.9 achievement
69.5 success
69.0 status
68.9 leadership
68.5 skill
68.0 ability
66.9 authority
66.5 strength
66.0 power |
99.9 fulfilment
99.5 order
99.0 vision
96.9 excellence
96.5 merit
96.0 accomplishment
95.9 harmony
95.5 happiness
95.0 quality |
|
25.9 security
25.5 clarity
25.0 logic
23.9 misleading
23.5 misguided
23.0 error
21.9 confusion
21.5 fear
21.0 uncertainty |
59.9 commitment
59.5 will
59.0 optimisation
55.9 choice
55.5 comprehension
55.0 balance
54.9 emergence
54.5 accretion
54.0 retention |
89.9 ideals
89.5 hope
89.0 values
86.9 creation
86.5 concept
86.0 design
85.9 inspiration
85.5 talent
85.0 opportunity |
|
15.9 safety
15.5 awareness
15.0 vigilance
13.9 cruelty
13.5 punishment
13.0 hurt
12.9 oblivion
12.5 silence
12.0 suppression |
49.9 certainty
49.5 confidence
49.0 belief
48.9 involvement
48.5 motivation
48.0 interest
45.9 comfort
45.5 fairness
45.0 acceptance |
77.9 joy
77.5 indulgence
77.0 empathy
75.9 well being
75.5 sanity
75.0 reason
73.9 delight
73.5 excitement
73.0 fun |
2.3 Matrix expressions
They are numerical codes allocated to concepts and entities, in accordance
with perception, to achieve the best fit on the Matrix landscape.
The decimal point in the expression separates the “Radical” on its left
which is the selected starting position from the “Fractal” on its right
which is the decimal emphasis representing the direction of change.
For example, leadership (59.86) and consensus (59.75) share the radical
59 (choice/optimisation) but differ in the decimal emphasis, 86 (design)
and 75 (reason) respectively.
The determination of a Matrix expression relating to an entity gets
its validation from tests of perception (25.45), equivalence (55.386) and
coherence (49.55). For this reason, the Matrix expressions presented in
this paper should be considered as a first draft, open to and inviting
debate.
The humourous reference to “turtles all the way down” in connection
with logical support highlights the challenges associated with ensuring
coherence.
3. Classifications
A classification is a systematic distribution of a universe into various
categories or classes according to well defined criteria. For the classification
to be inclusive of the whole universe, the distribution system must be
holistic, meaning that no element of that universe can be left out unaccounted.
This requirement at once defines the word Holistic which refers to the
system while Whole refers to the universe. It is in that sense a matter
of linguistics and mainstream use whether holistic could not be spelt wholistic.
The Matrix, by incorporating the four fundamental perceptual elements
feel/think/act/time, can meet the goal of compliance with the holistic
attribute. Classification criteria and norms such as similarities/differences,
core/non core, polarised/unpolarised, structured/unstructured, causality/interaction,
determinism/uncertainty, reality/fantasy etc, can all be accommodated within
the Matrix landscape.
It is important to recognise that only within a holistic whole can reality
appear undistorted. With any partial viewing, reality will suffer some
distortion depending on the context. Nevertheless, if the partial view
is judiciously selected, the distortion may well be insignificant.
4. Definitions
Facets are a key element of the Facet technique developed by Professor
Louis Guttman and used with high effectiveness in applied social research.
By grouping a number of elemental words vertically between bracketing lines
in the horizontal flow of a sentence, facets achieve a functional and compact
form which allows a large number of permutations to be presented at a glance,
simply and clearly.
Facets are most valuable in formulating definitions because they allow
complex meanings to be presented in a sequence of simple structures where
the qualities of clarity and acceptability can be readily verified.
A faceted definition of Interpretation is used as an example involving
four facets A to D with matrix numbers shown adjacent the facet elements.
5. Language
Language is, on balance, one of our most powerful means of expression
and communication. Its building tools are words and hence their critical
importance in shaping the communication process.
5.1 Single and Polar Words
Words are defining.
Single words can, with benefit to efficiency and effectiveness, substitute
for rambling descriptions. Clarity is enhanced when the right single words
are selected. It may not lead to consensus but it presents a focused picture
for meaningful debate. An example is the issue of affirmative action based
on need (41.37) rather than race (44.87).
Polar words are single words with emphasis placed on polarity. Polar
words at once suggest a scale of values with two or more polarities.
5.2 Methodology
Instant access to the lexicon of key words and their corresponding Matrix
expressions is facilitated by sorting them out ordinally in two registers,
one alphabetical (dictionary fashion) and the other numerical.
The numerical register allows the chromatic changes to be viewed at
short range, facilitating the evaluating role of perception.
5.3 New Structures
The word/meaning nexus is a dynamic relationship which responds to changing
needs, changing times, fast developing technology and ever increasing sophistication.
Existing words get redefined, new words and new structures are created.
It is important, at the key word level, to retain coherence and continuity.
I would like to float the word Metricity (99.55) as the proactive word
integrating optimally logic (25.0), reason (75.0), rationality (55.0),
legitimacy (77.58) and morality (97.58).
6. Relationships
6.1 Self organising
It is generally accepted that the operating basis of perception (25.45)
is information organising itself into patterns. All the relationships involved
can be observed and monitored on the holistic landscape of the Matrix.
Meanings (55.65) are the interpretation of these perceptions.
6.2 Boxes or Paradigms?
A glance at the Matrix shows that it is made up of 81 Squares. Each
of these squares on its own may have the appearance of a box but in line
with the holistic concept of the Matrix each of these squares is an integrated
paradigm.
The significant difference is that the content of a box can exist in
total isolation from its surroundings, but the content of a paradigm is
at all times linked comprehensively and coherently to the very whole of
which it is a part. Its boundaries provide conceptual separation but simultaneously
display the appropriate degree of porosity to allow congruence between
the vast diversity of possible, apparent or virtual truths and the overall
complex reality.
Furthermore, paradigms on the Matrix landscape, while clearly identifiable
by their separation boundary, are not limited to the Squares but can include
very large or very small chunks of the Matrix.
6.3 Tensorial integration
The relationship
is
postulated to provide a linkage between three basic parameters:
Quantity (q) which is a measurement
Entity (E) which is a concept
Quality (Q) which is a perception
n is the number of multiple entities associated with a given situation
and generally indicates the degree of dimensional complexity. Semantic
ambivalence which results in differing perceptions can often be traced
to elements of the above relationship.
The mathematical concepts of scalar (magnitude, no direction), vector
(magnitude, one direction) and tensor (magnitude, more than one direction)
are helpful in visualising the above process. Quantities are scalars, Entities
are tensors, and Quality, also a tensor, is the aggregate "bottom
line". In somehow remarkable fashion, the "right" words
can provide the correct fit for these complex realities. Conversely, the
"wrong" words can throw the whole edifice out of kilter.
6.4 Equivalence
Equivalence (55.386) is possibly the most critical and powerful element
of relationship. While Equivalence is not Equality (55.55), it postulates
the equating between entities in a well defined context.
Equivalence recognises - as equivalent - causes producing the same effect
or effects producing the same perception. The Matrix horizontal and vertical
lines provide alignments of Equivalence which accord with common perception.
One element of basic import when considering equivalence is the direction
or arrow of time.
The words transformation, projection, conversion, correspondence, coalescence
are related to equivalence.
6.5 The Square and the Circle
On the Matrix, the circle inscribed in a square shares its centre and
the equivalence potential attached to it. Viewed from this central point
,
the circle is the Observer's "local horizon".
6.6 Optimisation
Optimisation (59.96) as opposed to maximisation (64.66) is the best
choice (59) focusing on accomplishment (96). As the process outcome is
a tensorial integration of factors and parts, the relationship at section
6.3 can be expressed as:
(i) Optimisation is maximisation in the right direction.
(ii) Optimising the whole is by sub-optimising the parts.
6.7 Association and Analogy
They are very important relationship tools. Association (45.45) is passive,
triggered by proximity, contiguity or similarity of form. Analogy (85.85)
is proactive and recognises similarity of internal relationships between
two systems or two complex entities.
The basic process is self organising (25.56) mental patterns. These
patterns end up perceived as close neighbours in association, and recognised
as linked by similar mechanisms in analogy. To some extent the two processes
are partial elemental forms of Equivalence.
6.8 Critical and Creative thinking
In the domain of thinking, two thinking modes are often compared yet
frequently opposed: the Critical and the Creative thinking. On the conceptual
map framed by the Matrix these two modes of thinking as well as a number
of related factors can be clearly contrasted.
It can be seen that Critical thinking operates mainly from Block 2 while
Creative thinking operates mainly from Block 8. These two modes are complementary
rather than conflicting and their separate elements of emphasis allow coverage
of a whole that is greater than the parts. In this regard they form a powerful
partnership.
7. Displays
8. Conclusion
In conclusion I would like to say that in a world where communication
and technology are increasingly thinning out barriers, borders and boundaries,
the quality of life in the fast emerging global village demands skillful
harnessing of the vast available and potential resources and energies,
for the benefit of the largely diverse global community.
This harnessing is optimised by sound thinking skills at the individual
and the collective levels. The Matrix, by its holistic and universal approach
to values, meanings and entities, can provide a useful and convenient tool
and an instant reminder to facilitate access and promote relationships.
It will work naturally with other tools, as it provides by definition a
means to clearly define their operational coverage.
9. References
The following short selection stands for both acknowledgement and reference:
1. Stephen Hawking: A brief history of time (1989)
2. Paul Davies: The mind of God (1992)
3. Edward de Bono: Parallel thinking (1995)
