tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107060758629396184.post3615977042977935355..comments2024-03-26T23:23:06.905-07:00Comments on Blogger in Middle-earth: Cry Me A RiverBlogger In Middle-earthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08722634477041121797noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107060758629396184.post-32797754094070809712008-09-18T02:57:00.000-07:002008-09-18T02:57:00.000-07:00Tēnā korua Virginia and Tom!Virginia, your 'river'...Tēnā korua Virginia and Tom!<BR/><BR/>Virginia, your 'river' is a wonderful analogy - it is among the best I've learnt that explains the transient capriciousness and time dependent properties of learning. I'm aware that, for many who use metaphors and analogies (and models) there are too vague distinctions between each of these entities.<BR/><BR/>This is why I think in terms of a mapping, when I focus on an analogy. It anticipates something far more intricate than what is to be found in a metaphor, for it has a complexity of components and properties.<BR/><BR/>Tom, as you know, Science has a history of evolving its models. This continuous evolution of models is really what a large part of Science is about.<BR/><BR/>The metaphor is easily carried in the mind. This is its strength. Models can be elaborate - too much so for them to work as metaphors. <BR/><BR/>In many ways, I see analogies as being closer to models than metaphors. The model is explicit. It leaves little to imagine. For those of us who don't mind using our imagination, the analogy is in some ways richer, more tangible, in a paradoxical way, even more realistic than some well defined models. Analogies can be shaped, whereas fixed models cannot. It may be for this reason that a model tends to have a short half-life. Analogies tend to be resilient and tolerant of rigorous use over time.<BR/><BR/>I tend to stride out on a limb with some ideas - a bit like you do Virginia. It is really heartening to find people whose thinking empathises, rather than aligns with my own.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your support.<BR/><BR/>Ka kiteBlogger In Middle-earthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08722634477041121797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107060758629396184.post-76828450825055109532008-09-17T06:22:00.000-07:002008-09-17T06:22:00.000-07:00Ken: Thanks for provoking me to consider the diffe...Ken: Thanks for provoking me to consider the differences between models, metaphors and analogies. My design background instilled my use of all three in ways I had not focused on consciously until now. Besides identifying and explaining models, designers utilize models and apply them to the new models they are creating. Existing models breed more effective, valuable or efficient models. <BR/><BR/>Realizing better models is a process (like learning is a process, river, etc. ) that uses metaphors and analogies. Metaphors get used to redefine the problem to be solved, or to solve an entirely different problem. The metaphoric process of making something into another avoids solving the obvious problem, merely treating symptoms, or perpetuating the problem inside a vicious cycle. Metaphors show different ways to see the familiar evidence in an unfamiliar way. Metaphors introduce other frames of reference for generating possible solutions and more criteria for evaluating design schemes. <BR/><BR/>Drawing an analogy between models reveals subtleties that are not immediately apparent. Mapping one model onto another shows up differences that can be considered in formulating a new model. Poorly drawn analogies make comparisons that yield few insights about functionality, fit into the context, or efficient combinations of components. Mapping two models also reveals hidden assumptions, overlooked alternatives and opportunities to design multi-functioning components (killing two birds with one stone).<BR/><BR/>Better models result from these uses of metaphors, analogies and other models.Tom Haskinshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12658791778134826289noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2107060758629396184.post-69015152248669514562008-09-16T05:58:00.000-07:002008-09-16T05:58:00.000-07:00I loved the title of this piece! I'd like to say ...I loved the title of this piece! I'd like to say that my "river" description is an analogy (and not just because it makes me seem smarter!). I find most people don't follow my train of thought, so I need to find ways to make my thinking more concrete. While intellectually I see the difference between metaphor and analogy, I think there are many times when the line is too blurred (when does it cross over to be an analogy?).V Yonkershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11910904367068063554noreply@blogger.com