Skip to main content

Links, Arrows, and Networks: Fundamental Metaphors in Human Thought

  • Chapter
Networks in Action

Abstract

In this chapter I develop the thesis that the language of graph and network theory corresponds to some of the most fundamental concepts used in human thought. These concepts are used intuitively by people trying to solve complex problems which involve many relationships between many things. Mathematics enables the intuitive metaphors of links and arrows to be extended in a rigorous way, and allows natural representations of complex systems. I conclude that this mathematics has great potential for those trying to solve ever more complex problems in the physical and social worlds.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Checkland, P., and J. Scholes. Soft Systems Methodology in Action. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Crofton, I. The Guinness Encyclopedia. Enfield, Middlesex: Guinness Publishing, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Cross, N. Engineering Design Methods. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Dolan, A., and J. Aldous,. Networks and Algorithms: An Introductory Approach. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Johnson, J. H. “The Mathematics of Complex Systems.” In The Mathematical Revolution Inspired by Computing, edited by J. H. Johnson and M. Loomes. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Johnson, J. H. “Representation, Knowledge Elicitation and Mathematical Science.” In Artificial Intelligence in Mathematics, edited by J. Johnson, S. McKee, and A. Vella. Oxford: Clarendon Oress, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Johnson, J. H. “The Multidimensional Networks of Complex Systems.” This volume.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Pirsig, R. M. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. England: Bodley Head, 1974. Reprinted by Corgi Books, 1976.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Schon, D. A. The Reflective Practitioner. Harper Collins: Basic Books, 1983.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Wilson, R., and J. J. Watkins. Graphs: An Introductory Approach. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Winston, M., R. Shaffin, and D. Hermann. “The Taxonomy of Part-Whole Relations.” Cog. Sci. 11 (1987): 417–444.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1995 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Johnson, J. (1995). Links, Arrows, and Networks: Fundamental Metaphors in Human Thought. In: Batten, D., Casti, J., Thord, R. (eds) Networks in Action. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-57843-4_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-57843-4_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-63376-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-57843-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics