Isomorphism
The term isomorphism applies when two complex structures can be mapped onto each other in such a way that to each part of one structure there is a corresponding part in the other structure, where “corresponding” means that the two part play similar roles in their respective structures. Since they come in many shapes and sizes, figuratively speaking, it is not always totally clear when you really have found an isomorphism. Thus, “isomorphism” is a word with all the usual vagueness of words—which is a deficit but an advatage as well.
References
- Hofstader, Douglas. (1979). Godel Escher Bach Chapter 2 Meaning and Form in Mathematics (p. 67). New York, NY: Basic Books.
Metadata
Type:🔵 Tags: Mathematics / Philosophy / Logic Status:☀️