Hi All, 'hierarchical', at a minimum, shouldn't be used to describe physical/chemical processes, e.g., flight dynamics and control of the 747 I just rode. Space has to be included in this; OK throw in the Universe we are in and all the others we do not know about.
The brain, as a chemical engine, and the storage of information in it, as a first-order approximation, is parallel in nature; otherwise you probablably would not be able to perform activities and visualize simultaneously. 'hierarchical', and its uses, can be pinned human attempts to inject order. e.g., heirarchical classifications. Some attempts at controlling parallelisms, e.g., symmetric multiprocessor systems, are controlled to the point where they cannot be labeled are parallel systems. Parallel systems do exist, e.g., independent, communicating systems that coordinate processing to achieve specific goals, objectives and performance, e.g., space missions (constraint-based control; close control impossible). 'concurrently executing processes' can be considered parallel systems. Of course goals, objectives and performance impose operational constraints, e.g., constraint-based system. Examples come from high performance data processing, control applications (e.g., nuclear reactors), and manufacturing. 'hierarchical' control systems require that control be exercised continuously, on a regular schedule, or when events require it. Continuous systems under my control would not permit 'sleep' time; regular systems would mean I would have to adapt to the schedule, and event-driven systems would mean I would be awoken frequently. These type systems are limited in number throughout the world populations. It is true that the sun has imposed a hierarchical ordering to daily activities for farmers but it is also true that the sun is close to the model of a 'parallel' system than a 'hierarchical' system. In your own words: 'as the human mind perceives it' hierarchical implies human ordering, e.g., a model reduced to a chalk talk session. 'hierchical' applied to nature has some serious obstacles to overcome, e.g., Quantum Mechanics. Regards! -Thomas Clark Karsten Hilbert wrote: >>- every concept, everything in existence (as the human mind perceives it) >>is hierarchical, to microcosm as well as towards macrocosm >> >> >Including the brain itself ? > >Karsten > > - If you have any questions about using this list, please send a message to d.lloyd at openehr.org
