METAPATTERN: Information Modeling as Enneadic Dynamics
Pieter Wisse · 2008
An object may exhibit multiple behaviors. Every behavior is unambiguously tied in with a particular situation. With a context representing a situation and with signature as an object's bare identity, through a number of signature instances an information model represents an object in multiple contexts. This concept of context is especially characteristic of the metapattern approach to information modeling. Context is a recursive function of both signature and relationship between two signatures at adjacent levels in the model. It suggests a development of the classic semiotic triad of C.S. Peirce, at first onto a system of hexadic and next onto a system of enneadic dynamics. The design of the ennead, like the original triad, equals semiotics with ontology and epistemology. The increase in modeling variety the metapattern offers is sketched through a fictional assignment. To gain a familiar perspective, basic assumptions underlying entity-atribute-relationship modeling and tradititional object orientation are revisited. Next, the metapattern's assumptions as they relate to multiple, recursive contexts are presented.