wiki.accu.org

User Tools

Site Tools

Trace: • c_pub_quiz
2015:the_map_is_not_the_territory

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Next revision		Previous revision
2015:the_map_is_not_the_territory [2014/11/04 12:09] – created jonjagger2015:the_map_is_not_the_territory [2016/06/11 14:05] (current) – external edit 127.0.0.1
Line 6: Line 6:
 **Duration**: 90 mins\\ **Duration**: 90 mins\\
 **Description**: \\ **Description**: \\
-Caveat: "Programming abounds with maxims. However you can't capture a complex truth with a glib catchphrase" (andybak https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8507632) \\+Caveat: 'Programming abounds with maxims. However you can't capture a complex truth with a glib catchphrase' (andybak https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8507632) \\
 \\ \\
 The map-territory relation describes the relationship between an object and a representation of that object. In the case of maps, the map is a model of reality which must be interpreted in some context to imply the territory it represents (Wikipedia). \\ The map-territory relation describes the relationship between an object and a representation of that object. In the case of maps, the map is a model of reality which must be interpreted in some context to imply the territory it represents (Wikipedia). \\
Line 18: Line 18:
 In some sense the process is the same. A fallible human must interpret the abstract to imagine the real. \\ In some sense the process is the same. A fallible human must interpret the abstract to imagine the real. \\
 \\   \\  
-The problem is that, in the words of surrealist painter Rene Magritte, "perception always intercedes between reality and ourselves", we introduce errors.  Our perception may cause an imperfect map to appear accurate, or a flawed program to appear correct. \\+The problem is that, in the words of surrealist painter Rene Magritte, 'perception always intercedes between reality and ourselves', we introduce errors.  Our perception may cause an imperfect map to appear accurate, or a flawed program to appear correct. \\
 \\   \\  
 What then are we to do if we accept that we should not trust ourselves? \\ What then are we to do if we accept that we should not trust ourselves? \\
Line 24: Line 24:
 What can we learn from our struggle to map and explore the physical world?\\  What can we learn from our struggle to map and explore the physical world?\\ 
 \\   \\  
-Today we have digital mapping using satellite imagery correlated with position information from cell tower triangulation, wi-fi maps and GPS, augmented with crowd sourced images and traffic flow data. Has the mapping of software kept up, or do we still revere precious hand drawn maps inscribed "Here there be Dragons"? \\+Today we have digital mapping using satellite imagery correlated with position information from cell tower triangulation, wi-fi maps and GPS, augmented with crowd sourced images and traffic flow data. Has the mapping of software kept up, or do we still revere precious hand drawn maps inscribed 'Here there be Dragons'? \\
 \\   \\  
 Harry Potter had the Marauder's map (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G_SdCcYFJw): \\ Harry Potter had the Marauder's map (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9G_SdCcYFJw): \\
Line 35: Line 35:
 Harry: Brilliant. \\ Harry: Brilliant. \\
 \\   \\  
-So, should we be content with "printf"? \\+So, should we be content with 'printf'? \\
 \\   \\  
 Are there analogies between cartography and navigation that might lead to insights into how we interpret and navigate program code and its behaviour? \\ Are there analogies between cartography and navigation that might lead to insights into how we interpret and navigate program code and its behaviour? \\
2015/the_map_is_not_the_territory.1415102970.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/06/11 14:05 (external edit)