concept maps

Concept maps reveal simple to complex descriptions.
Compounds	subatomic parts	the world we inhabit


Atomic theory	String Theory	Reveals we live in many unseen dimensions
The above concept map is an example of the idea of reductionism when moving from left to right, or of emergent properties when reversing directions and moving right to left.
The term reductionism means that as we break material down into ever smaller parts [Atoms, sub-atomic particles, and superstrings] one conclusion is that this process also (by implication) reduces the importance of human will, or personal volition.
Do see emergent properties.

A concept map is a graphical display of any deliberate relationship that is explained between two existing or among more than two basic notions, ideas or thoughts that evoke an image or graphic display of significant associations.

There are nine steps in the diagram below – meaning different ways to describe relations among concepts to describe the Earth – in getting from simple linear associations of related concepts to more complicated ways of diagramming causes and effects.

birds

When arranged in a discernible pattern a concept map represents a simplified model of the systematic relations among important single conceptions that come together to form a larger, coherent whole.

An intricate description of the Earth as a system of relations.

Earth here can be thought of as land, the natural features of any terrain for commercial purposes.

The mapping of ideas and their relations starts simply; called a linear formula displaying a sequential relation among variable concepts:

Consider a linear relation or formula for the creation of wealth; how is wealth created?

With linear relations among land, labor and wealth thinkers for five hundred years have used these categories to explain the "Labor Theory of Value."

Land	Labor	Wealth
natural resources	human resources	valued outcomes
landscape	agriculture	food
minerals	mining	metals
water	irrigation	hygiene


Nature	when mixed with	Human work	creates	Capital

	X		=
	Times		Equals

A linear concept map is but the start of a more complicated association among the many factors needed to describe actual conditions we find, say in a fishery.

Frequently ideas and their relations are drawn as pyramids or a triangle to represent three equally significant relationships.

	wealth

land	x	labor

Sugar is an example of wealth from land and labor creating a durable commodity; the importance of sugar as a commodity is not to be exaggerated.

Or circular diagrams are used to depict a recurrent and recursive relationships among the four sectors:

Even in diagrams, such as this steam engine, certain ideas and their relations are expressed and as a model can generate a concept map.

Even with a diagram of the concept, complex relationships may still require verbal explanations.

Humans are found on the family tree – a concept map for evolutionary relationships – that means over time, historical change is best understood as a tree conceptually.

The relation among current living things are like so many branches on a tree that exists in time.

Means of learning details in the sense of communicating what we know.

Sender Information Receiver

writer
reader

Record a world of details to interpret.

research informed facts decide

Contrasting concepts

Sender	Information	Receiver

*writer*		reader

Record	a world of details	to interpret.
research	informed facts	decide