Conceptual Structure and Existential Graph - Assignment Example

CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS Question Conceptual structures are a kind of knowledge developed in John Sowa’s book “Conceptual Structures: Information Processing in Mind and Machine”. Conceptual structures are represent graphic notation for typed first-order logic which are often applied domains comprising information systems modeling, natural language processing, information retrieval, program specification, case based reasoning and machine learning (Sowa, 1983). Conceptual structures are also characterized by conceptual graph which is a finite connected bipartite graph which comprise of concepts and conceptual relations (Sowa, 1983). As revealed by John Sowa, the relationship between conceptual structures is defined by one or more arcs, each of which is linked to a concept. John defines a multilevel conceptual graph as a conceptual graph whereby some of the concepts and conceptual relations arc sensitive (Sowa, 1983). One important element of conceptual structure is a sematic network. Sematic network is basically a collection of entire relationship exhibited by concepts to other concepts, procedures, to percepts and to motor mechanisms. In a nutshell, conceptual graphs are a formation for knowledge representation that provide intuitive and easily understandable means to represent knowledge (Sowa, 1983). Conceptual structures underline the concept of graph homomorphism. This is important because it enables the linking up of basic reasoning problems to other fundamental problems in computer science (Sowa, 1983). This helps solve the challenges of conjunctive queries as far as database and constraint satisfaction problem is concerned. Example of existential graph The complex nature of concepts and sub concepts requires advance reasoning and presentation. Several diagraming techniques have been developed by Sowa in regards to conceptual reasoning (Sowa, 1983). It is worth noting that these concepts have been helpful in analyzing complex ideas. John Sowa refers to these diagraming techniques are Semantic Networks (Sowa, 1983). The common thing about Semantic networks is a declarative graphic representation that can be vital in presenting knowledge and supporting automated systems for reasoning about the knowledge (Sowa, 1983). As much as Semantic networks are very useful in knowledge representation, I believe conceptual graphs and existential graph standout as some of the best way of presenting information. Conceptual graphs These are variety of propositional semantic networks whereby the relations are nested inside the propositional nodes. They express meaning in a form that is logically precise, computationally tractable and humanly readable. Conserving their direct mapping to language, these type of conceptual diagraming acts as intermediate languages for translating computer-oriented formalism to and from natural languages (Sowa, 1983). Their graphic representation they perform the role of readable, but formal design and specification language. Conceptual graphs evolved as a combination of the linguistic features of Tesnière’s dependency graphs and the logical features of Peirce’s existential graphs (Sowa, 1983). One importance of conceptual graphs conceptual framework is that they exhibit strong influence from the work in the computational linguistics and artificial intelligence (Sowa, 1983). The figures below show basic examples of conceptual graphs. Example of conceptual graph (Sowa, 1983) Conceptual graphs are used in several projects. A conceptual graph is characterized by an identity box that represents an existential quantifier (∃x:Farmer) or (∃y:Donkey). The quantifier is restricted to the type or sort of the variable. Purposely, conceptual graphs are important during information retrieval, expert systems, database design and natural language processing. For instance, you can use conceptual graphs and their respective translations to predicate calculus and Knowledge Interchange Format (KIF) (Sowa, 1983). Existential graphs An existential graph is a special type semantic network whereby the primary relation is implication. Developed in 1914 by Charles S. Peirce, existential graph can be defined as a type of visual notation for logical expression (Sowa, 1983). Owing to the fact that Pierce doubted the value of logic formulated using conventional linear notation, he preferred the logic and mathematics to be noted in two or more dimensions. The main importance of existential graphs is that they provide the reader with a wide perspective by outlining themes that are associated with existential graphs (Sowa, 1983). In a nutshell, existential graphs are a good way of extending the horizon of logic. In this regard, Peirce proposed 3 systems of existential graphs namely: Alpha: this is a type of existential characterized by isomorphic to sentential logic and the two-element Boolean algebra (Sowa, 1983). Beta: characterized by isomorphic to 1st order logic with identity will all formulas close (Sowa, 1983). Gamma: this isomorphic to normal modal logic (Sowa, 1983). Existential graphs concept are used in the contemporary world in making diagrams such as colors, metal tones, and more, for expressing possibilities and features of modal logics (Sowa, 1983). If you are interesting in visual representation of formal concepts should go for Pierce’s existential graphs. An example of existential graph is shown below: (Sowa, 1983) Question two Semiotics is the theory of signs, and reading signs is a part of everyday life. From smoke that warns of fire, to road side signs to the symbol buried within art and art literature, Semiotics as an art theory seems impenetrable and mysterious. Hall’s this means this and this means that, is very useful in understanding the basic theory of semiotics, especially for someone who is interested in making interpretation of hidden meaning in a piece of art. Basically, semiotics is all about creating and understanding meaning. Semiotics theory does that through drawing on a diverse set of disciplines, design, from psychology, advertisement, anthropology, and branding, cultural, philosophy and sociology theory. This Means this; This Means That is a source book for thinking more deeply and creatively about graphics and text as integrated sign systems. The organization and formatting of the book illustrates Hall’s argument that semiotics subsumes graphical, textual, and interactive communication methods. The book starts with words but quickly deviates to drawings, flowcharts, and tables, directory trees that emphasize his argument of creative and critical thinking. For instance, a glass door with its handle marked “Push” is accompanied by the question, “How do you open this door?” The “door handle looks as if it should be pulled, so people tend to pull it” (p. 48), as opposed to the rights which states that it should be pushed. Critically, there is contradiction between the written message and the door handle’s accordance, considering the way the handle’s design signifies a particular way in which to use it. According to Hall, semiotic concepts also work in media, advertisement, and art. For instance, he says; “often describes its progress in a form that is like storyline” (p170). In addition, Hall claims that scientific causality and literary narrative function the same way apart from the fact that it introduces fledging designers to the theory of affordance (Hall, 2012). Structuralist semioticians tend to focus on the internal structure of the image as opposed to processes involved in its construction or interpretation. According to Hall, the creation and interpretation of conceptual image should be regarded as “encoding” and “decoding” respectively (Hall, 2012). Interpretation of text messages does not simply involve basic recognition and comprehension of what the image say but rather; it should be an inclusive interpretation and evaluation of its meaning with reference to the relevant codes (Hall, 2012). The transmission model defines the communication process where the sender transmits a message to a receiver. In this regard, it is important to make a distinction between a comprehensive and interpretation of conceptual images in a more critical way (Hall, 2012). Hall emphasized the role played by social positioning in the interpretation of mass text by different social groups. He particularly used mass text because mass text is characterized by large viewers (Hall, 2012). In this regards, it is important to use Hall’s argument about mass texts to make judgments on how we should analyze conceptual images. According to Hall, these three hypothetical codes are important for reading a mass text and in this case conceptual image. They include; Dominant analysis: This involves the reader of the image fully sharing the image’s codes and reproduces the preferred reading in such a way that the codes seem natural and transparent (Hall, 2012). Oppositional analysis: the individual-characterized by a social situation placed directly on the oppositional in relation to the dominant code-understands the preferred reading but does not share what he has seen (Hall, 2012). Negotiated analysis: the reader shares the image’s codes and broadly accepts the preferred reading, but to some extent modifies the information to reflect his own position (Hall, 2012). In terms of interpretation of the conceptual image, there are three levels of analysis in regards to semiotic perspective. These levels include: Syntactic: this involves the recognition of the image; Semantic: this involves comprehension of the intended meaning of the image; Pragmatic: the image is then interpreted in terms of relevance, agreement etc. Basically, interpretation of an image involves the identification of what it represents. Visual rhetoric is complex, with the possibility of several interpretations. Hence, systematical figuring out of the reactions to conceptual image is important (Hall, 2012). It is difficult to ascertain how and why the purpose of the image has been received unless you figure out the way the image works. It is for this reason that it is necessary to consider some aesthetic elements unique to visual forms (Hall, 2012). In other words, these aesthetic elements are important for making visual analysis. These include: Color: this involves the actual color, the purity of the color, the value of the color. That is, examining not only what the colors are, but also the effects of the colors in terms of what they emphasize. Content. This is in relation to what is shown in the image Expressive content: feeling brought about by the image. Spatial organization: shape, form, and geometrical perspective. These create the impression of movement. Light: include the sources and type of light. Question 3 He was a coureur de bois-that simply means one who runs in the woods. His area of origin remains a mystery. He was a small, dark Frenchman who wore the red knitted cap of Québec and his name was Pasquined. His dressing code resembled that of an Indian and that made people to argue that he carried Indian blood. There were several suggestions of where he came from with some claiming that he was from Montreal and the Mandan while other claimed that he came from Missouri River as claimed a trader: “I have seen him where he was from, and he said, “New Orleans.”” Despite difference in opinions towards his area of original, the fact is everyone agreed that he was a fearless one. Pasguinel engages in a long journey to look for trading materials. It was not an easy journey, one characterized by survival of dangerous navigation river course, hostile environment, inadequate food, loneliness, and hostile reception from different tribes that he came across. However, his determination overpowered his challenges. It is only during the first part of the journey that he assured himself: Not enough current to scour the bottom. Despite the fact that he cursed the river, he still was glad that the river was giving him the opportunity to sail through; and being a Canadian he master the art of surviving in freezing weather. Despite these numerous limitation, Pasquinel arrived safely at the land of the Pawnee who are the most treacherous tribe. Here, he manages to achieve his objective by trading with the Indian chiefs who were very hostile at first. Personal reflection This small excerpt talks a very determined man who is motivated to achieve his goals without worrying about the dangers that lay ahead. At first, Pasguinel seems like an explorer but an insight analysis of the text reveals a trader in addition to explore. He intended to paddle his canoe 500 miles up the platte, reach there by midwinter and trade with whatever tribe he finds there. It was a dangerous journey, one which requires passing through Pawnee, Cheyenne and Arapaho country. However difficult the journey might seemed, Pasguinel was motivated by the rewards that he will gain if he can successful finish the journey. I believe that Pasguinel was a very courageous and self-motivate individual. His strong character is firmly situated in the essay. Whenever, something wanted to deter his spirit to succeed, he motivated himself and pushed himself to “the wall” to succeed. For instance, as stated in the essay: “pushing his red cap back on his head, he sang a song of his childhood as he entered the Platte.” Well, some people might not dare such a journey but if you have a lion’s heart like Pasguinel had, then a similar story can be written about you. The contemporary world is characterized by a lot of inventions and innovations. A journey that would have lasted few days or hours lasted 8 months across the jungle and the river. Sometimes when things seem unattainable, you have to be positive and keep on going. If you don’t believe me then you better believe Pasguinel. Pasguinel was a loving individual and this is shown by the way he interacted with the children when he arrived in India. In addition, his wisdom was enough to help him get a chance to trade with the chiefs who were very hostile at the first instance they met. I am very interested on the way Pasguinel managed to communicate with these Chiefs considering the language barrier that existed between them. Well it is pretty obvious that sign language performed a greater role in enhancing communication between Pasguinel and the Indian people, but I think Pasguinel’s wonderful character also played a greater role. He was able internalized what the chiefs were saying and in return reply to them accordingly. I believe the element early trade virtually dominates the essay. The author tries to emphasize a typical early trade between countries. The early trade was characterized by long distance and language barrier not forgetting hostile receptions. Many people died during while searching or doing trade, but the few that survived the scotching environment really got a value for their efforts. This is what motivated Pasguinel. References Hall, S (2012). This means this and this means that: a users guide to semiotics, 2nd edition. New York: Springer. Sowa, J. F. (1983). Conceptual structures: Information processing in mind and machine. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley. Read More