Projects. Comprehensing information processing

Conclusion

In our time the majority of problems of technotronic civilization are handled using means of formal logic. The work of all technical equipment made by man including computers and the most complicated space devices is based on the laws of this logic.

However, it's in the work of computers that the principal limitations of formal logic are manifested most vividly and clearly. Logical and univocal procedures of computer programs when they find themselves in various contexts such as mutual interaction and interaction with other parts of the program or with other programs; interaction with external devices or environment; or when they have to operate in contexts appearing as a result of interaction of other contexts... start behaving unpredictably and generate unexpected results. In complex systems synergic effect inevitably manifests itself.

In all spheres of human activities systems become uncontrollable as soon as they reach a certain level of complexity. Correction of mistakes in their work leads to new mistakes. This is why there exist objective principle impediments in solution of such problems as safety of atomic power stations (Chernobyl catastrophe), safety of space flights (catastrophe of Ariane-5) resolution of complicated political conflicts and many others.

The current critical situation in the sphere of man's interaction with complex systems dictates the necessity of passing to the following stage of development of problem solution tools. But handling these problems calls for analysis of large amounts of context-interdependent information.

From the point of view of the authors it is expedient to pass from the formal logic of Plato and Aristotle (using it as basis) to the instrumental type of logic not stopping at contradictions but operating them (logic of Kant and Hegel). This becomes possible if the formal logic "procedures" are substituted for "notions" as basic elements. Having mastered instrumental use of "notions" as basic elements we obtain the ability to control the processes of formation and development of complex systems.

In this work we have undertaken an attempt to pass from operating "procedures" to operating "notions" in the sphere of information systems as an example.

Owing to it there appears a possibility to

• To present "notions" and categories that are very hard to represent if at all by means of formal logic.
• To represent any "notions" and their sense in the context of any real concrete situation.
• To provide any "notion" with a possibility to change with time and structure.
• To construct universal information systems capable of development, self-development and self-correction by means of interaction with the ambient medium.

From the point of view of the authors the future of information technologies lies right in the sphere of the logic of "notions". Based on this logic it would become possible to solve such problems as deciphering of the DNA with regard to its structural and vital contexts, switching from resource consuming to resource saving and further on to resource creating technologies, etc.

S.Alaksandrau, engineer.
P.Fedziejeu, engineer.

Minsk, Belarus, 2000.

Basic terminology

• Analogy is similarity of notions in some of their properties.
• Context sets the definiteness of the sense of notions within the limits of the system borders.
• Context of time sets the definiteness of the contradiction of the system in its relations with other systems.
• Notion is reflection of objects and phenomena in their fundamental repetitive properties.
• Module of elementary sense is specific representation of a notion in its properties and analogies.
• Procedure is order of actions.
• Procedure context sets the definiteness of the contradiction of the system and determines the specific procedure of the system conclusion beyond the scope of its framework.
• Subject-oriented analogy is similarity of notions in their inherent properties that are significant for the subject.
• System is something finite with its inherent borders and with its intrinsic contradiction that puts this something beyond the scope of its borders thus forming another entity of the same something.
• Word is designation of fundamental steadily repetitive notions.