There are many ways to discipline your metaphor. Though I do not completely
approve of corporal punishment in and of itself, there is nothing that teaches a
metaphor about respect better than a wholesome whoopin' - "spare the rod,
spoil the metaphor" is what I always say...
But that is not what this chapter is about. Sorry for the disappointment -
I'll try not to leave you stranded.
Metaphors appear essential to a multidiscipline-worthy language: a language
whereby all sciences can freely communicate at a high level without translation.
Though some believe mathematics may well be this language, it has hardly
been established in the jargon, thus our sciences are growing without much cross flow
of information. Sure, chemists and biologists may share data, but if metaphor
has the power that reputation indicates, chemists and musicians should
equally be found sharing notes, for example. How do we expect computers to make
ingenious associations if we do not lay a linguistic foundation conducive to
making lateral associations?
First off, we'll need some basic concept or principle. I like the four
stroke engine, as it is a surprisingly universal concept.
The normal four stroke engine has four simple stages through which fuel and
air become power and exhaust. First, during "intake" the fuel and air
are drawn into an enclosed space; then, during the
"compression" phase, this working material is given less space;
then "ignition" occurs via a relative pinprick of energy, resulting in
a powerful expansion of space (many appropriately call this the
"power" stroke, as well); finally, the energy-depleted materials are forcibly
removed from the space in what is called the "exhaust" phase.
This cycle then repeats itself to provide continuous mechanical energy from a
chemical source fuel.
[For those who wish to see a moving diagram with further explanation,
visit: http://www.keveney.com/Engines.html
and click on the "Four
Stroke (Otto)" link (look around, too - it's a great site!).]
Next, have a look at the diagrams on the pages Four
Stroke Engines 1 and Four
Stroke Engines 2 (these will each open in new windows, perhaps taking
a moment on slower systems). I will name the appropriate discipline and
substitute words for each line of diagrams, following the order
"intake", "compression", "ignition" and
"exhaust". (material/process)
