From: ahoward Date: 2003-01-27T00:53:30+09:00 Subject: Re: Can we attack the 'not enough libraries' thing straight on? On Sun, 26 Jan 2003, Dave Thomas wrote: > Folks: > > I think there's a hint here. The real world isn't hierarchical. Why are > we assuming the archive should be? > > Dave i think that what's been proposed is categorical and not hierarchical. CAT�E�GO�RY 1. A specifically defined division in a system of classification; a class. 2. A general class of ideas, terms, or things that mark divisions or coordinations within a conceptual scheme, especially: a.Aristotle's modes of objective being, such as quality, quantity, or relation, that are inherent in everything. b.Kant's modes of subjective understanding, such as singularity, universality, or particularity, that organize perceptions into knowledge. c.A basic logical type of philosophical conception in post-Kantian philosophy. .... HI�ER�AR�CHY 1. A body of persons having authority. 2. a. Categorization of a group of people according to ability or status. b. The group so categorized. 3. A series in which each element is graded or ranked: put honesty first in her hierarchy of values. .... so, IMHO, to _categorize_ something as, for example, HTML::Template simply implies the existence of a Template class which is _related_ to HTML somehow. it does not imply the abilities or status of Template relative to HTML, nor does imply a ranking or grading of Template relative to HTML and thus does not constitute a hierarchy. -a -- ==================================== | Ara Howard | NOAA Forecast Systems Laboratory | Information and Technology Services | Data Systems Group | R/FST 325 Broadway | Boulder, CO 80305-3328 | Email: ahoward@fsl.noaa.gov | Phone: 303-497-7238 | Fax: 303-497-7259 ====================================