Patterns & Metaphors

Scientific symbols

Other Names:
Robot
Computer
Network
Template:
Symbols in science apply to such things as measurement standards, identification of atomic elements and of molecules, and mathematical notation for formulae. Such symbology has evolved from primitive beginnings in proto-science where things or substances were the primary subjects of symbolization, to an ever more increasing use of symbols for processes as the world-view has changed to a dynamic one with the advance of scientific knowledge. Symbols for processes were not able to be contained in systems that only used letters or numbers or additional unitized signs, but had to move out into graphic displays of linked process flows. Flow-diagrams became imperative in electrical distribution engineering, and later in the early stages of the development of the computer, while Boolean algebra, Venn diagrams and class logic found increasing applications. Network analysis of defence programmes (Critical Path, PERT) and communications switching brought graphic symbology still further. These various developments in mathematics, logic and symbology come together in two of mankind's greatest achievements: computer artificial intelligence and computer modelling. The first leads to robotics and the second towards achieving vastly improved methods of managing the world's human and material resources. The dominant symbols of the imminent future are the robot and the world's interlinked communications-computer networks.
Metaphor:
The robot, the computer and the communications network are presently highly manipulated symbols used either to frighten the public or promise them a utopia, Computer-controlled communications and intelligence satellites may evoke images of "being watched".
BX M Scientific symbols Robot Computer Network