The model is a collection of elements and relations between the elements.
There are two types of models: image models (or analogic models) and symbolic
models. The elements and relationships are given explicitly for the symbolic
models, and implicitly for the image models.
Image models (analogic) can't be given in an explicit manner. They are given
as they are, as a whole. This is an intrinsic property of the image models.
To give a model in an explcit manner means to describe the elements and the
relationship between the elements, but this takes us outside the analogic
model. That means to translate the image model into a symbolic model (we need
to use words to describe the image model). Even if the translated model is
associated to the image model, it is a different model.
Example: given an image model of an airplane, its elements are the main body,
the wings etc. One of the wings could break in two, so it is made of two
pieces. Actually, it contains an infinity of elements, as it could break in
any way. In any real situation, it is by far easier to build an image model,
than explain what had been built. This is why we say that an image model is
just given as it is, and not defined explicitly. Anytime we refer to an image
model, we need to take into account this fundamental issue.
Application 1:
Image models in poetry and painting
A poet imagines something- there is an image model in his mind. The poet will
translate somehow this image model into several symbolic models (e.g.
statements), trying in fact to associate the image model from his mind to a
collection of symbolic models, materialised in the text of the poem. It is
assumed that the text of the poem, together with other image-type elements
(Rythm, rhyme, intonation etc) will be able to make the reader/listener to
reassemble somehow the initial image model from the poet's mind.
In the case of painting, the painter has in front of him a subject (e.g. a
person). This subject is perceived through all the senses the painter has.
What results is an image model of the subject based on this complex
interaction. This image model from the painter's mind will be translated into
another image model that will show on the canvas. The translation means only
to associate a model to another. The translated model can be built anyhow
within very large limits, based on the complex image model from the painter's
mind. It is supposed here as well, that the viewer will remake somehow as an
image model the initial model from the mind of the painter.
Application 2:
Image models from the external reality
Long time ago, when people needed to build some complex structures (e.g. a
fortress), in the first phase they had to make a sketch of what they intended
to build. This is valid only for less complex constructions. For more
complicated structures, the most used method was to build a 3D model. The
model can be easily analyzed and modified. With the model in sight, the brain
is able to simulate its behaviour for situations associated with the external
reality and to correct the discovered deficiencies, on the model. This model
can be used at the effective building of the external reality.
Nowadays, the image models are very highly developed. E.g. a model built based
on complex specs can be used to simulate its behaviour during an earthquake.
The data obtained can be used to predict the behaviour of the actual building.
The highly developed image models are used on large scale in technology
(skyscrapers, suspension bridges, airplanes, and actually in any complex
technological product). These image models can then be used to simulate
possible situations from external reality, including extreme situations,
before the actual construction of the technological product.
The symbolic models are built using GCL (General Communication Language). They
have explicit elements and relationships. They can be built only by humans.
The most important symbolic model is GCL itself. Its elements are in the first
place the nouns, as the relationship between elements are mainly the verbs.
Contrasting to image models, which evolve based on laws of harmony, symbolic
models evolve based on logic (see general theory). The presence of GCL in a
brain will define that brain as a human brain.
Important note:
GCL is not really a symbolic model. It contains only components (elements and
relationships). Whenever a symbolic model for communication is built (e.g. a
sentence), one needs to choose components from GCL. As any use of GCL is
materialised in a symbolic model and because there is no proper word for it,
GCL is considered by extension a symbolic model.
Technology uses models on a very large scale. Image models have initially been
used, but nowadays, due to the high costs of the image models and for other
reasons, symbolic models and the use of computers are favoured (e.g. symbolic
models are built currently for buildings, suspension bridges, airplanes and
spacecrafts, with the help of computers).
For training purposes, symbolic models are built and used for simulation of
nuclear plants, or flight behaviour, or anything, where it is necessary that
future crew/staff to gain experience beforehand. Present technology is based
in fact almost exclusively on symbolic models.