Why your mental map of the world is a deliberate abstraction
In short: We don't see the world as it is; we see it through conceptual models. These are not just pictures in our heads, but formal generalizations designed to filter out noise. From the electron to the entire universe, these models are the primary tools we use to communicate, design, and survive.
A conceptual model is the direct output of a generalization process. Unlike a 'concept model'—which is a model of a specific idea and may not need to correspond to reality—a conceptual model's value is tied to its correspondence with actual or potential states of affairs. In fields like artificial intelligence, these models are used to represent expert opinions on what is true, rather than personal ideas. Semantics serves as the underlying study of these concepts, exploring how thinking beings assign meaning to their experiences. These models act as a bridge between internal thought and external reality.
These models range from the concrete, like a mental image of a familiar object, to the highly abstract, such as mathematical models that lack a visual form. They vary wildly in scope, representing anything from a single statue to vast domains like the physical universe. The specific variety of these models is driven by the diverse purposes for which humans use them. They can represent whole classes of objects, such as the electron.
The primary objective of any conceptual model is to convey fundamental principles and basic functionality in a way that is easily understood by its users. In professional systems development, conceptual modeling is a rigorous activity used to mitigate failures caused by unclear requirements or lack of user input. Techniques vary by purpose: Data Flow Modeling (DFM) focuses on major functions, Entity-Relationship Modeling (ERM) represents database structures, and Petri nets allow for the mathematical description of concurrent behaviors. When choosing a technique, experts like Gemino and Wand argue that the underlying 'language' is more important than the visual representation, as the language dictates the depth and descriptive ability of the model. The Event-driven Process Chain (EPC) specifically helps improve business flows by defining state rules. Additionally, the JEFFF process helps map projects from initial conception to final completion. These methods help ensure that fundamental system properties are implemented properly to avoid future shortfalls.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Conceptual model
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