AN AXIOMATIC CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR ASSOCIATION THEORY.
Abstract
A partially developed axiomatic system, called the SSF frame (state-space-function framework), is described, and is intended for use in formulating a general theory of psychological phenomena, particularly a theory based on associationist concepts. The chief primitive entities of the system are 'states,' 'moments of time,' and 'occurrences' of a state 'at' various moments of time. A class of objects, 'bases,' is introduced for particular groups of states to enable the empirical interpretation of a 'real object' that can have or be in various observed states at various times. The base of a space is a unique object; there cannot be two or more bases in the same space and, by definition, the base of a space cannot be in two states at the same moment. A relation called an 'alinement' enables consideration of the relations between the spaces of x and y. The framework is deterministic; all functions are divided into 'formal' and 'causal,' the latter derived from the former by means of pairing and special interpretations. A main dichotomy of causal functions is that of 'first-order' vs. 'second-order' types. The notion of a 'sequential' deterministic system is developed that is consistent with the conceptual framework of state spaces and causal functions. The fundamental temporal property of a causal connection, the 'propagation delay,' is introduced and related with the delays of causal functions. The structure of a sequential function is characterized by 'autopaths' in the co-domain corresponding to subsets of the domain, namely those subsets defined by points in A for a function f:AXB - B. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0630429
Entities
People
- Richard F. Reiss