Attributing significance to forms of representation

Transcending One-eyed Global Modelling Perspectives (Part #8)

The above argument suggests the possibility of a mnemonic attribution of significance. The intention here is not to explore this possibility further here, although the following might be considered in an exploratory and educational mode:

treating the current segments (noted above) as elements of a form of jigsaw puzzle to be linked together on a global map
using a continuous loop made up of such coloured segments (representing the currents) that could be disconnected and reconnected in various sequences. The object would then be to lay this "necklace" flat on the map, twisting it appropriately such that some loops were placed on top of others
further to the previous possibility, the loop could be wrapped around a spherical globe -- a conventional representation of the world -- especially if the "necklace" could be stretched

Given such possibilities, the systemic mapping challenge could however be reframed more formally and more symbolically in the light of possibilities such as the following set of images.

These are indicative of more formal ways of looking at the relationship between globally-organized surface- and under-currents -- through various suggestive models and metaphors, each with their strengths and weaknesses. The value and possibilities of a quest for globality have been variously discussed (Spherical Configuration of Categories to Reflect Systemic Patterns of Environmental Checks and Balances, 1994).

However the global thermohaline circulation depicted above may be readily seen as a more "organic" and cognitively accessible depiction of the interconnection of distinct processes through which life is engendered and sustained on the globe.

Schematic representation of global circulation surface-currents and undercurrents, each composed of interflowing sub-currents	Use of a Möbius strip to represent the cognitive relationship between "surface" and "under" currents

The omission of any link between the two kinds of current in the left-hand image is clearly a defect. This is corrected in that on the right with the continuity between them now evident in that (paradoxically) the strip only has a single side.

Emphasis of the value of a paradoxical relationship between surface- and under-currents by association with the adaptive cycle (as being essential to global governance) with the Möbius strip	Use of a trefoil knot in three dimensions -- doubled by a "shadow" equivalent

The representation on the left offers a useful association to the systemic challenge of navigating challenges calling for a cycle of adaptation. However it is excessively abstract and has lost the variety of "currents". That on the right is the first suggestion -- beyond the Möbius strip -- of the "knotted" cognitive complexity relating surface- and under-currents. It indicates both the variety of interflowing currents and the distinction between surface- and under-current

Selection of knots (a focus of knot theory and topology) suggesting a richer range of possibilities of the interconnecting flows between surface- and under-currents
	A table of prime knots up to seven crossings. Labeled with Alexander-Briggs notation

These images offer a reminder of the interest in knot theory and topology of psychoanalysts, such as Jacques Lacan and R. D. Laing. This controversial approach has yet to be applied more generally to social processes and those of governance. It might well be said that many in governance-related processes would recognize the extent to which they are now "tied up in knots" -- especially as a consequence of the embassy cables disseminated by WikiLeaks.

Additional indication of contrasting knots
	Example of a knot diagram with crossings labelled according to the Dowker-Thistlethwaite notation

These images, and those below, suggest further possibilities whereby the interconnecting flows between surface- and under-currents may be related -- transitions between those distinct realities. The image on the right highlights the extent to which knot theory has articulated such patterns -- as indicated by the notation system. It might well be asked what could emerge from exploring the application of such notation to distinguish patterns of connectivity between surface- and under-currents.
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Two parts of a table of knots of up to nine-crossings (Sean Collom) suggesting the range of possibilities of the interconnecting flows between surface- and under-currents

The above suggests the emergence of a form of periodic table based on the number of "crossings" between surface- and under-currents.

Schematic use of a chain to suggest that the surface- and under-currents, if individually represented by a Möbius strip, might be usefully understood as interlinked to form a global systemic chain	Highlighting the disparity between any necessarily lengthy "linear" chain" of interflowing processes and the simpler sense of globality

The left-hand image returns to the limited set of currents of global significance, suggesting that the relationship between them poses a cognitive challenge. However it also raises the query as to what is thereby placed in "cognitive chains" -- potentially appropriately reminiscent of a problematic "chain of office"?. The right-hand image highlights the challenge of meaningfully relating any "chain" to the " higher dimensionality" of the globe. An adequate degree of interweaving is required to engage with the globe, as suggested by the following images.

One example of interweaving: framing the interflowing processes as an elegant 2-dimensional pattern imposed as a key to global order of higher dimensionality	Another example of interweaving: encompassing the globe in a network of interlocking processes, recognizing the higher-dimensionality of globality (formal "cognitive imprisonment" avoiding the challenge of engaging with globality?)

The left-hand image highlights the trap of formal elegance in 2-dimensions which can only imply an engagement with the higher dimensionality of the globe. This is abstract symbolic elegance at the price of systemic reality. The pattern would serve better in "holding" the globe if it had taken the form of basketware curving round the globe. However the right-hand image suggests that an excessive degree of systemic closure might be excessively constraining -- a cognitive trap of another kind. That image corresponds to the typical aspiration of empire in grasping and controlling the world through a systemically interlinked network of bases (see Wikipedia's List of United States military bases). There are of the order of 1,000 military bases and installations worldwide (Jules Dufour, The Worldwide Network of US Military Bases, Global Research, 1 July 2007). Any such base implies a particular kind of communications nexus or "knot". This perspective is consistent with reported strategies to "control the internet" notably through a so-called "kill switch", which have presumably now acquired far greater momentum as a result of WikiLeaks (Joe LIEberman's 'Internet Kill Switch' Bill Moves Forward In Senate, Backstabber Report, 9 August 2010; Tom Burghardt, Through the Wormhole: the secret state's mad scheme to control the internet, Pacific Free Press, 27 June 2010).

A cognitive network of interflowing, interwoven processes endeavouring to "capture" globality	A cognitive network having failed to encompass and "hold" the higher dimensionality of globality

These images illustrate the traditional use of netware to capture a large whole. Whether as net or basket, the woven pattern has a readily understandable function in capturing and holding animals, extended here to that of "grasping" a whole (The Future of Comprehension: conceptual birdcages and functional basket-weaving, 1980). The suggesting here is that the approach is potentially mistaken -- implying a particular understanding of globality. The right-hand image illustrates the failure of that process -- with the whole "falling through the net"

A spherical organization of mutually counter-acting (surface- and under-current) processes	Omphalos of Greek legend, understood as depicting the pathways of two eagles (the surface and under-currents)

The left-hand image points to the possibility of more complex, looser-woven, open structures as a means of engaging with globality. The pattern is that of tensional integrity (tensegrity), approximating and implying the continuing quest for globality. The interweaving of contrasting structural features has been discussed separately with respect to social organization (Implementing Principles by Balancing Configurations of Functions: a tensegrity organization approach, 1979). The right-hand image uses a traditional symbol to recall how the global pattern of currents engendered by the highest dimensionality effectively "fly across the world" to meet at its center, the "navel" of the globe.

These various formal representations, with their insights and deficiencies, can be compared with the organic elegance of the complex flow of ocean currents which better holds the experiential nature of "under-currents" in the psychosocial system.

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