Readable Formal Language
by Edward S. Lowry <eslowry@mcimail.com>, Acton Mass.
Posted Sun Jun 30 20:54:00 EDT 1996
Unspecialized formal language can express technical knowledge in a precise but readable way. The best simplicity results if the language uses the simplest possible objects to model its subject matter. Those arrow-like objects are optimum in the same sense that wheels should be round. A "universal language supporting technical literacy" is a natural goal.
Learning to work carefully with various kinds of information pervades education. Working carefully with anything requires control over its fine structure. Hence current ignorance of information fine structure is an enormous failing. Networking is a relatively minor issue.
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