"Thinking in Maps: From the Lascaux Caves to Knowledge Graphs" and "The Five Levels of Hype"

"Thinking in Maps: From the Lascaux Caves to Knowledge Graphs" and "The Five Levels of Hype"

Introduction:
Throughout human history, maps have played a crucial role in our understanding of the world around us. From the ancient Lascaux caves to modern knowledge graphs, maps have shaped the way we think and communicate. In this article, we will explore the connection between thinking in maps and the levels of hype surrounding new technologies.

Thinking in Maps:
Humans have been thinking in maps since the very beginning of symbolic communication systems. The Lascaux caves, for example, house one of the oldest known maps in the world. This map, however, is not of the earth but of the skies. This highlights the early human fascination with mapping and understanding the world around them.

Common Visual Symbols:
Throughout history, different cultures have used visual symbols to convey meaning. These symbols include pictograms, ideograms, and logograms. Pictograms are symbols that resemble physical objects and convey meaning through their resemblance. Ideograms, on the other hand, represent ideas or concepts independent of specific words or phrases. Logograms are written characters that represent whole words or phrases. These visual symbols, when combined with maps, create visual representations of our knowledge, beliefs, and questions.

Famous Visual Thinkers:
Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton are two famous examples of visual thinkers. Da Vinci's notes and drawings combined art and natural philosophy, showcasing his ability to see connections where others see separations. Newton, too, used diagrams to explore scientific concepts and research ideas. These visual thinkers highlight the power of maps in understanding complex ideas and concepts.

Ontologies in Information Science:
In information science, ontologies play a crucial role in representing and defining the categories, properties, and relationships between concepts. Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, envisioned a future where computers could analyze all the data on the web. Ontologies provide a way to organize and make sense of this vast amount of information.

The Future of Thinking in Maps:
As we continue to advance in the field of knowledge management, the next logical step seems to be the metamodeling of thinking in maps. This involves creating a new language and schema for the semantic data that constitutes our thought processes. By doing so, we can unlock new ways of understanding and connecting information.

The Five Levels of Hype:
Hype is a double-edged sword when it comes to new technologies. On one hand, it helps attract the necessary resources to bring a vision to life. On the other hand, it can lead to overpromising and unrealistic expectations. The five levels of hype range from marketing claims to othering, where critics are portrayed as defenders of the old. Understanding these levels can help us navigate the hype surrounding new technologies.

Actionable Advice:

1. Stay Informed: When encountering new technologies, make sure to do thorough research and separate the hype from reality. Look for evidence and real-world examples to support claims made by proponents of the technology.

2. Manage Expectations: It's important to approach new technologies with a realistic mindset. Understand that the development and implementation of revolutionary technologies take time and often face challenges along the way.

3. Embrace Critical Thinking: Don't be swayed solely by hype or the opinions of others. Take the time to critically evaluate new technologies and their potential impact. Ask questions, seek different perspectives, and make informed decisions based on evidence and facts.

Conclusion:
Thinking in maps has been an integral part of human history, from ancient cave paintings to modern knowledge graphs. By understanding the power of maps in shaping our thoughts and communication, we can better navigate the hype surrounding new technologies. By staying informed, managing expectations, and embracing critical thinking, we can make informed decisions about the technologies that will shape our future. So let's continue to think in maps and explore the possibilities they hold.