I-Chin Verses, Patterns and Numbers
易經: 義理, 象數David S. ChangIntroductionI-Chin (易經) has two parts: verses, and patterns and numbers.
Verses (義理): Literature alike, it can be used to describe and explain the contents of cases of situations and stories. You can think and imagine freely according to the I-Chin philosophy. It can map, inspire the verses of metaphors to create a path of imagination of thinking for the solutions of asked questions. It is much like doing academic research in paper or fiction writing.
Patterns and numbers (象數): From the basic Yin and Yang (陰陽) concepts to form the patterns of segments in a Qua (卦爻圖). It is the reasoning rules or principles of I-Chin philosophy to guide the thinking process.
Number of Index System
The numbers are the indices corresponding to each segment (爻) in a Qua (卦). It represents the relative positions in a space and time of a Qua. It means the complementary/supportive properties of Yin and Yang by the hints of associated verses on each. Using numerical numbers, it can address the labeling problems to specifically describe the features on each verse/Qua in the time and space of story happened as a model or pattern on each case. It could imply the meanings of priority, sequence, counting, weighting, accessing point, relative position in a situation, etc. Thus, it has the basic concepts of counting which can be applied to the math of calculating operations, such as arithmetic, geometry, graphic, group, algebra, calculus, probability, set, induction, deduction, etc.; even could be applied to the operators of quantum mechanics for the imagination of inspiration.
Qua System: Analysis and Integration on Modern Technology
By the combination of verses and patterns and numbers, we can apply these concepts and operational techniques to analyze problems by a computer simulation for perspectives, such as management strategy and stock market analysis: using verses to describe the situations and find the requirements, using patterns and numbers to analyze and calculate (infer) the situation to find or model a solution by mathematics and physics.
Abstraction and Manipulability: The Way to Rational Reasoning and Logical Flow
Since number can be manipulated in arithmetic and counting, this is the great feature of human’s discovery and innovation, the foundations of thinking, calculating and mathematical systems, and even opens the door of scientific development.
This explains why the numbering system is important. It is the key to guide to the direction and logical flow of thinking and reasoning in situations to reach a solution according to I-Chin philosophy. It is the most useful and feasible concept in I-Chin.
New Era of Connectivity by Using the I-Chin Numbering System
Number is the bridge connects I-Chin philosophy and concepts to modern math and physics (including computer sciences).Patterns and verses can be thought as associated with and embedded in the numbers, the binary counting system of Qua which is a format of symbol of primitive abstraction on objects and events in ancient Chinese civilization.
Conclusions: The Dynamics of Change
I-Chin can help perform imagination and independent thinking, the creative and innovative process by metaphors which are embedded in its verses, patterns and numbers. It describes the essential characteristics of nature, change.
Its verses highlight the hypothetical cases in various situations. Its patterns and numbers will define and guide the thinking process, prioritize the time/space sequence according to the situation/event happening. It also provides these information such as the number of test/simulated cases as many as you can imagine, the time and space span on each case in a micro view, or all cases as a whole in a macro view, types, states, current situations and future perspectives, relative positions, relationships among situations and events, their mutual influences, etc.
“I-Chin, the Nature of Change.”
It is an amazing book about the ancient Chinese classical philosophy on nature and humanity (the concept of heaven, earth and man to be one; Tao; transcendental ego; spirit), and the structure of thinking and cognition. It provides a high level view of how to analyze the situations to help solve all kinds of problems by the concept of dynamics of change.
-Written with classical Chinese literature, mathematics,
physics, electrical engineering and computer science, psychology and philosophy
in an analytical mind.
-Pictures are for metaphors. All information can be inspired by observations.
