Behavioral Topology? Models for Perspective, Fiber Bundles, Questions
2 Sides to Every Coin Metaphor for Perspective
There’s a common idiom, roughly, “there are 2 Sides to Every Coin”. This idiom is related to perspective, that there are different ways of perceiving an experience.
A coin is used symbolically here and I’d argue that the symbolism is effective, but I think I’ve found a structure with more explanatory power and at the time of this writing the use of physical coins is likely falling out of favor and being replaced with more modern electronic transactions.
The Geometric Perspective: Cross Sections
Yes, looking at 2 sides of a coin is a useful way to conceptualize perspective and very intuitive. But there are other properties we ignore; the coin is a 3-dimensional object. We can draw an infinite number of cross sections for the coin. (See Appendix)
Behavioral Topology? The better Structure – There are an Infinite Number of Sections in a Locally Homeomorphic Fiber Bundle
Let’s view the coin from a topological perspective.
If we view the coin as a base space, we can construct a locally homeomorphic fiber bundle w/ local trivialization property. (See Appendix)
Now our fiber bundle has infinite number of sections (abstractions of graphs!) rather than just ‘2 sides’. If an experience is represented by a fiber bundle with those properties, then there are an infinite number of sections that can be taken from the experience. Each section may be considered a ‘perspective’, there are an infinite number of perspectives that may be taken on the experience.
Implication
Perspective on an experience can dictate and influence outcomes. Individuals have some ability to alter their perspectives and in doing so further the influence of their will on to the world. Of course, we must fully acknowledge that there are factors outside of an individual’s control but in many instances, there is some degree of control over some factors.
Questions as a Method for Guiding Perspective
The scope here is not to define a ‘mindset’ or state of mind, I think we can accept the statement that questions have the ability to shift a perspective.
Questions generally have a revealing ‘quality’ about them in that they provide more information about the world. The stimulus of asking a question evokes a response, even no response is a response that provides additional information.
I’d argue that is the general, surface level consensus opinion on questions. Of course, questions can do much more. Questions are a component or substructure of language and language has devices to guide a perspective. Essentially questions act almost like a function that attempts to collect information about the world: questions can be used to reveal but they can also conceal, they may have an additive effect but also work to reduce complex ideas into smaller parts - questions can direct (or misdirect) a perspective.
If we can accept that questions can direct or perhaps better phrased, “guide” a perspective, then it follows that structuring habitual questions and lines of questioning are a means of finding or adjusting perspectives.
Perspective will influence actions and actions will influence outcomes. The system that results in an outcome is complex and initial conditions play a huge role in future outcomes. Questions are part of the initial conditions that you can influence. It’s extremely important to think these through carefully and often.
All else equal, a different perspective can drastically change how one experiences the same ‘objective’ world.
Challenge
If you can accept my argument for infinite perspectives and that it is possible for one to guide/direct a perspective, I challenge you to explore the possibilities of designing your experience of the world through engaging how you conceptualize perspective.