Chapter 6
We already defined the elite of a group as those persons who are able to stay on level 3. Let's consider that a person has to work in a position where one has to take care of the community. Such persons must anticipate what problems could occur in future, to be able to protect the community. Level 3 is absolutely necessary. But, there is a problem. When a person is to be selected for such a job, he has to gain some abilities. The problem here is that such abilities are, usually, obtained after some specific training.
The training courses have, as main goal, to ensure that the students have assimilated a number of models. When a problem associated with such models occurs, they will activate the suitable model, and so they will solve the problem. But, to be able to do the job in a good way, the main quality is not to have the right model, when the problem occurs, but to anticipate fast enough, what kind of problem will occur. That is, to be on level 3. I never heard that the selection of personnel is done based also on the level of consciousness criterion. Even worse, the persons who are able to assimilate easily new models, have a reduced capacity to make their own models (as level 3 requires) and so, the present system of education stimulates the students to have a low level of consciousness.
The present level of development of the human brain is too low to have, on a large scale, a level 3 of symbolic consciousness.
The consciousness based on symbolic models is requested in any situation when an elite group is necessary. In such a situation, every individual of the group is associated with a symbolic element. Such a symbolic element contains nothing which could be associated with the "human" part of an individual (no emotions, no feelings, no love and so on).
Let's see now the consciousness in the animal world. Some superior animals, which live in packs, know their position in the pack. So, there is a form of level 2 image consciouness for such animals. Of course, such a level is associated with a single model, which is made by every individual of the pack. Even more, the position of every individual could be changed in time.
But what about ants. There is very little probability that an ant is able to make models in interaction with the external reality. The ants are based on the models of their PSM, (which are ready made when they are born). For instance, level-2 of consciousness could be recognized when there is a competition between the members of the group, as it happens in a pack of mammals, or when an individual has to be trained. Such things cannot be met in the world of the ants. Thus, ants have no consciousness (except level 0) as a result of their incapacity to make models on their own.
Some superior animals, which live in association with human beings (e.g. dogs), are able to create on their own some models of interaction with the human beings. So, they could have level 2 consciousness.
ABSTRACT: MODEL DICTIONARY
M: these are models associated in a direct way with sense organs (M-eyes, M- ears and so on).
YM: concept models directly or indirectly associated with different entities of the external reality.
ZM: General long-range models. For any external reality, the brain makes one or more ZM-models. They generate the truths, the reality, the knowledge and the consciousness.
ZM-models are activated by the associated external reality. There are also ZM- models that are not associated to an external reality (e.g. when we solve a problem of mathematics).
Any ZM-model associated to an external reality works in association with some M-models, and also in assocition with any other ZM-model.
MZM: this term is not associated with a model, but with a structure of different ZM, YM, ZAM, and AZM models. These models are very often used together. Such a structure is generated by the technological implementation of the brain, and it optimizes the activity of the brain in a section of the external reality.
ZAM: these models are long-range models used to modify the external reality. They are artificial models (they are not generated by direct interaction with the external reality) and they are also invariant (they cannot be changed by direct interaction with the external reality).
AZM: these models are associated with the organs that can interact with the external reality (hands, legs and so on) in a direct way.
XZM: these models are called also "illegal models", because they are not included in the normal structure of models. A normal model is a model for which any prediction is accepted in a harmonic/logic way by any other model of the structure. XZMs are, thus, individual models which have no normal communication with other models. Thus, a brain is not able to detect such models. In some situations, such models can become active and gain control of the being. They can also transmit some information to the normal structure of models.
WBAM (would be-active models): such models are artificial models that are generated by a ZM-model. Thus, a ZM-model predicts a situation for which there is no normal model. If a new external reality occurs, and there is no normal model to understand it, the PSM is activated. A ZM-model can make a WBAM- model, based on its predictions, so that, when the new external reality occurs, the ZM will activate that WBAM and so PSM is not activated.
SHIELDING MODELS: Any model has the tendency to become stable. There are some models which cannot become stable. Such models can destabilize the whole structure of models due to some infinite loops performed in order to gain stability (the model with problems will activate some other models, including the PSM, in a continuous way). A shielding model is created by the main ZM. It intercepts some truths which can activate some other models (incuding the PSM) and transmits to the model with problems some information which stabilizes it. The reality generated by a shielding model is called "illusion". The best known shielding-model is religion. This shielding model stabilizes any model which predicts the death of the person so it blocks the activation of the PSM.
STORY-TYPE MODELS: Faced with a new external reality, the normal tendency of the brain is to make a normal model, or to activate a suitable model from its collection of models. But, when the external reality is changing very fast, this procedure cannot be followed. In this case, the brain records the information based on short-range models. These short-range models are connected between them based on the order of occurence. Such a model (string- type) is called "story-type model". Story-type models are used later ("off line") to make or improve the normal models.
PROTECTION AND SURVIVAL MODEL (PSM)
This is the fundamental image model of any brain. When a new being is born, the brain contains only the PSM. The PSM contains a collection of basic short range models (e.g. reflex actions) and long-range models (e.g. the instincts) for a minimal protection of that being and to ensure the unconditional survival of that being, forever (these are the basic design features).
The PSM contains also a model of the external body (bones, muscles, and so on) and also some basic models of interaction with the external reality (e.g. the model to follow with the eyes the movement of an entity from external reality, or the model to touch an entity from external reality, which is in the range of the hand). There are also some models to ensure the equilibrium of the physical body.
Faced with a new external reality, the PSM is activated and it tries to solve the problem, based on its short-range models (e.g. reflex actions), but it will also create a new element, which is associated to the new external reality. Once the new element is created by PSM, this element is self- developing as a model, in order to understand the new external reality. When such an external reality occurs again, the specialized model created during the first occurence of the new external reality will be activated instead of the PSM. Such models are normal models (they do not belong to PSM).
Thus, as a new born being gains experience, the PSM will not be activated, but the models previously created in the interaction of that being with the external reality.
A model, which belongs to PSM, cannot be changed regardless of the information received from external reality (the PSM contains only invariant models). In special conditions, e.g. when a big danger exists for the being (as detected by PSM), it is possible that a new model enters the PSM. Basically speaking, any model can enter the PSM. For a normal brain, the PSM must contain only "standard models" (see the general theory and ETAs) because, once a model is in PSM, it cannot be changed regardless of the information received from external reality. Even more, any information from external reality can be accepted only if it can be accepted by PSM.
Example: Let's suppose that in the PSM of a person there is a non-standard model which considers that the frogs are very dangerous. Regardless of the information received from external reality, that person will be horrified when frogs are around.
The content of the PSM is very hard to be known because the PSM is activated only when there is no normal model to understand the external reality.
The PSM is an image model and it will remain so forever.
EXAMPLES, TESTS AND APPLICATIONS (ETA) ASSOCIATED TO THE MDT THEORY
These ETAs are intergrant parts of MDT and show how it works in some specific cases. The order of occurence of the subjects is random. MDT tries to keep its generality as much as possible, independent of the technological implementation of different brains.
ETA 1: The Model
The model is a collection of elements and relations between the elements. There are two types of models: image models (or analogic models) and symbolic models. The elements and relationships are given explicitly for the symbolic models, and implicitly for the image models.
Image models (analogic) can't be given in an explicit manner. They are given as they are, as a whole. This is an intrinsic property of the image models.
To give a model in an explcit manner means to describe the elements and the relationship between the elements, but this takes us outside the analogic model. That means to translate the image model into a symbolic model (we need to use words to describe the image model). Even if the translated model is associated to the image model, it is a different model.
Example: given an image model of an airplane, its elements are the main body, the wings etc. One of the wings could break in two, so it is made of two pieces. Actually, it contains an infinity of elements, as it could break in any way. In any real situation, it is by far easier to build an image model, than explain what had been built. This is why we say that an image model is just given as it is, and not defined explicitly. Anytime we refer to an image model, we need to take into account this fundamental issue.
Application 1: Image models in poetry and painting
A poet imagines something- there is an image model in his mind. The poet will translate somehow this image model into several symbolic models (e.g. statements), trying in fact to associate the image model from his mind to a collection of symbolic models, materialised in the text of the poem. It is assumed that the text of the poem, together with other image-type elements (Rythm, rhyme, intonation etc) will be able to make the reader/listener to reassemble somehow the initial image model from the poet's mind.
In the case of painting, the painter has in front of him a subject (e.g. a person). This subject is perceived through all the senses the painter has. What results is an image model of the subject based on this complex interaction. This image model from the painter's mind will be translated into another image model that will show on the canvas. The translation means only to associate a model to another. The translated model can be built anyhow within very large limits, based on the complex image model from the painter's mind. It is supposed here as well, that the viewer will remake somehow as an image model the initial model from the mind of the painter.
Application 2: Image models from the external reality
Long time ago, when people needed to build some complex structures (e.g. a fortress), in the first phase they had to make a sketch of what they intended to build. This is valid only for less complex constructions. For more complicated structures, the most used method was to build a 3D model. The model can be easily analyzed and modified. With the model in sight, the brain is able to simulate its behaviour for situations associated with the external reality and to correct the discovered deficiencies, on the model. This model can be used at the effective building of the external reality.
Nowadays, the image models are very highly developed. E.g. a model built based on complex specs can be used to simulate its behaviour during an earthquake. The data obtained can be used to predict the behaviour of the actual building.
The highly developed image models are used on large scale in technology (skyscrapers, suspension bridges, airplanes, and actually in any complex technological product). These image models can then be used to simulate possible situations from external reality, including extreme situations, before the actual construction of the technological product.
The symbolic models are built using GCL (General Communication Language). They have explicit elements and relationships. They can be built only by humans. The most important symbolic model is GCL itself. Its elements are in the first place the nouns, as the relationship between elements are mainly the verbs. Contrasting to image models, which evolve based on laws of harmony, symbolic models evolve based on logic (see general theory). The presence of GCL in a brain will define that brain as a human brain.
Important note: GCL is not really a symbolic model. It contains only components (elements and relationships). Whenever a symbolic model for communication is built (e.g. a sentence), one needs to choose components from GCL. As any use of GCL is materialised in a symbolic model and because there is no proper word for it, GCL is considered by extension a symbolic model.
Technology uses models on a very large scale. Image models have initially been used, but nowadays, due to the high costs of the image models and for other reasons, symbolic models and the use of computers are favoured (e.g. symbolic models are built currently for buildings, suspension bridges, airplanes and spacecrafts, with the help of computers).
For training purposes, symbolic models are built and used for simulation of nuclear plants, or flight behaviour, or anything, where it is necessary that future crew/staff to gain experience beforehand. Present technology is based in fact almost exclusively on symbolic models.
Application 3: From the iron to the space shuttle
Apparently an iron is too simple to require a design based on a symbolic model. False.
Let's take a simple technological detail: the holes used for steam exhausts for moisturising the tissue. Some questions are, e.g. how many holes it needs, where, what shape and dimensions are needed for uniform moisturising of the tissue with minimum water consumption and at lowest costs. Clearly, it is possible to build analogic models, which can be tested experimentally. Based on the analogic (image) models one can obtain certain results, but there is no guarantee that the optimal solution was found. The existing image model cannot be modified, as such. If we want to make any change in the image model we have to rebuild it from scratch, as we already know, which implies time and money.
The vaporisation and dispersion process of the steam through a complex structure as the surface of the iron, tissue and the support, is very complex. Physicists, based on symbolic models, with help of computers, solve this type of problem. The rebuilding of the model in order to find a better solution is far simpler on a symbolic model, than on an image model.
If in the case of an iron, the highest risk is that the customers won't buy the non-performing iron, in other cases the risks involved are unacceptable.
For instance, the space shuttle was 'verified' for reentering the atmosphere on a symbolic model. This phase of the flight, by far the most dangerous, would have been impossible to test before the actual flight. The crew was trained on symbolic models in all the phases of the flight, and in all normal and exceptional situations. The astronauts have learned to fly for reentering the atmosphere, based mainly on training on symbolic models.
Given a model (image or symbolic), it can be used to predict its further evolution. This is achieved by changing/ adding/ removing a parameter/ element/ relationship and following what happens. This process is called simulation on the model. As we know, the results of the simulation on the model are called truths associated to the model.
When a model is associated to external reality, by simulating on the model, we can predict the evolution of the external reality. These operations are done either by the human (image and symbolic) or the animal brains (image models only).
We need to note here- it is as important, as it looks trivial: We extend to the external reality the structure of symbolic and image models from our brain. This extension is done not only in the domain of science and technology, but also in all domains of life. For each of us, the world itself is given as a sum of all the projections to external reality of all the active models of the brain. This statement is true for animals as well.
Example: The laws voted in the parliament are long-range symbolic models; they are an extension of the structure of models from the brains of the authors of the laws.
The prediction of the evolution of external reality (see general theory) is the main requirement of design for the human or animal brain. Thus, this requirement is fulfilled by the facility of the brain to build and operate models.
ETA 2: Truth, reality, and communication
Any result of the simulation on a model is a truth associated to that model. As pointed out in the general theory, a truth is associated by us to a symbolic message (generated by a symbolic model); however in order to keep the terminology simple, in the case of image models, a result obtained by simulation on the model is also called 'truth', in spite of the fact that it is used 'as is', without the necessity to explain it.
Example: If an animal builds an image model of the external reality, predicting a dangerous situation, it is possible to find the solution to the problem by simulation on the model. This solution (the truth) might be, e.g. to flee. The truth will activate directly the preexistent action model, which is in this case to flee.
We'll refer from now on only to symbolic models. If no model is specified, any truth is nonsense.
Example: The truth is ãa car crashed into a wall". This truth might be generated by any of the following models: -accident -test -movie/cartoon -computer game
In any of the above models, the specified truth is interpreted differently (it has a different meaning).
The theory underlines thus, that the model which generated a truth needs to be specified and accepted before the presentation of the truth. This basic requirement is always met in positive sciences.
In common life, the declaration of the model is not always done, and often the model does not even exist in an elaborate and coherent form. Emerging from here a long line of conflicts between individuals, groups or cultural zones, which all have their own reality associated to the same external reality. This can be interpreted as a design deficiency of the brain. Some can compensate this hardware deficiency by software, e.g. the individuals situated on level 3 of consciousness (see the general theory).
There is a fairly common situation in external reality when a person states a truth, and then builds the model to support it. This happens usually for persons based on image models only, and when they interact with external reality, they only translate the image truth to a symbolic truth. Such persons are recognisable by their rudimentary logic and their tendency to fragment any discussion to particular sections of the external reality. Such persons can't discuss a single general subject.
Exercise: Verify yourself and others on the existence and status of the model, which generated any stated truth.
It is known from the general theory that a basic problem in the construction of a model associated to the external reality is that we do not know beforehand the elements of the specific external reality. These elements need to be discovered, and the discovered elements are the only ones we can operate with.
Warning: The external reality, as defined in MDT, can't have elements and relationships. The elements and relations appear only in the model associated to the external reality. However, in many statements we will use notions like elements and relationships of the external reality, but these need to be understood as elements and relations of the model associated to the external reality. For the external reality, one can use the term 'entity', which identified by the model will become an element of it. However, we have no word available to associate to external reality in the case of relations. By perfectioning the language, such deficiencies will be solved.
A basic requirement for the existence of communication is the existence of a single common model accepted by both parts who want to communicate. Without a common symbolic model, there is no communication, as both sides will have their own list of definition of the terms associated to the words.
Usually, communication is done only on symbolic models. However, there are more primitive forms of communication using image models (between people, between humans and animals, between animals).
The reality is defined in the general theory as the sum of all truths generated, or possibly generated, by a model. As each person has his/her own collection of models, the reality as understood by each person is different from one person to another.
It is important to specify that in the domain of positive sciences, fundamental models generally accepted do exist. One of these models is e.g. Newton's Mechanics. As this model generates a reality, all physicists consider that the 'reality' is the one generated by Newton's Mechanics, within its limits of applicability.
Due to reasons associated to confusions of the science of knowledge, the reality generated by Newton's model is considered as 'objective'. Thus, "objective reality" is a term generated by a generally accepted model in specified conditions. From this point of view, the fact that the Sun revolves around the Earth is an "objective truth", at least at the level of the year 1500.
It needs to be stated by all means that without a model, the external reality cannot be perceived. After building a model associated to the external reality, what we perceive is what the model states as perception. If, e.g. we say that 'snow is white', this is the result generated by a model associated with external reality, external reality which contains the element 'snow'. One of the properties of the element 'snow' is that it is white. Under the microscope (another model) the same snow looks transparent.
As we already mentioned, reality is the one generated by the model associated to a given external reality. Each time we state a truth, we have to specify first the model.