taxonomic pathway
Examples of taxonomic nesting of topics can be seen in the results of some library information storage and retrieval systems (ISARS) as a logical ordering of more inclusive topics progressively related to a lineage of subordinate topics approaching ever greater specificity. We know that all cows are mammals, but that not all mammals are cows. Mammals is a more inclusive taxonomic level when related to cows, cows being a taxonomic level of greater specificity, in this instance. Information can be ordered in this way. Such logical relationship of more inclusive topics to more specific subordinate topics can potentially be extended through very many, perhaps infinitely varied, pathways. Of course, this, in itself, is not new. The articulation of taxonomic pathway has tradition, as seen in the work of scientists and librarians. Its logic and direction are guided by the vision and purpose of the architect. Logic may be value neutral, but the focus and determination of taxonomic analysis are guided by values and priorities.

There is a toy for children. It consists of a set of nested boxes, each of which is smaller - or larger - then the next. Each fits one inside the next larger box, which in turn fits inside the next larger. I have also seen a similar set of wooden mama dolls, each of which opens to reveal a similar but smaller mama doll within. Also, there was a well known baking soda canister bearing a picture of a baking soda canister within which one could see a picture of a baking soda canister bearing a picture of a baking soda canister. These may be considered simple concrete examples of hierarchical relationship while two toys and a baking soda canister are members of the same horizontal Venn set, if you care to consider the analysis which orders them thusly.

Creating hyperlinks which truly bind elements according to ascending or descending taxonomical analysis is demanding of both rigorous thought as well as a consideration of our purposes in pursuing any given line of topic relationship syndetics. Taxonomic nesting of topics is as a vertical aspect-feature acknowledgement, lighting an order of appreciation, similarity, and place. Horizontal matrix kin sets draw their considerate quality notation from whichever vertical hierarchical analyses can be logically presented as inclusive feature-quality reference points.

In some cases, it seems easier to light descending vertical hierarchy. But let us consider a superordinate move upward. Suppose we start with a category and wish to create a hyperlink to a more inclusive grouping. Suppose that our topic is itself hierarchical taxonomy. How can we describe a close vertical inclusion of hierarchical taxonomy itself? Any logical superordinate category must include subordinate concepts within a sound, encompassing feature-quality analysis. For instance, one could note that the concept search engines is logically subordinate to the concept ISARS, i.e. search engines are one type of information storage and retrieval system.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Richard Mariconda, M.L.S.
rlm@processtruing.org
year 2006 to year 2011
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