If one juxtaposes the fourfold Space-Time-Matter-Energy with the fourfold Structure-Function-Part-Action, one sees that there are several relations between them. These are simple common-sense relations, not modern-physics types of relations. Below they are listed by Space-type relations and Time-type relations.
Space is required for the extension of Structures.
Matter constitutes Structures.
Parts in an arrangement make up Structures.
Structures extend and are organized in Space.
Matter is located in Space.
Parts occupy Space.
Time allows the expression of Functions.
Energy is required for the operation of Functions.
Actions in a sequence constitute Functions.
Functions have duration and reoccur in Time.
Energy requires and is dependent on Time.
Actions take place within Time.
Several analogies are also evident in this diagram.
- Space : Structures :: Time : Functions
- Space : Parts :: Time : Actions
- Space : Matter :: Time : Energy
- Structures : Parts :: Functions : Actions
- Structures : Matter :: Functions : Energy
- Parts : Matter :: Actions : Energy
Notice that analogies 1.-3. are “contains” relations, and 4.-6. are “part of” relations. One obtains the nesting of entities:
Space > Structures > Parts > Matter
Time > Functions > Actions > Energy
I suppose that any analogy could be shown in a figure like the one on the right (or even written as A / B // C / D) or with the two squares side by side, and that sets of four or six analogies that overlap could be nicely shown as above. If so, I wonder what can be gained by such representations? Probably individually not so much but with overlaps I think it would be interesting.
Further Reading:
The study of parts and wholes relations is called Mereology.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mereology
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mereology/
[*10.157, *11.26, *11.34]
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Thanks! (I think…) Though actually I’m not. Here’s an article dated several years ago by Bill Benzon (see last page):
https://www.academia.edu/4066568/Living_with_Abundance_in_a_Pluralist_Cosmos_Some_Metaphysical_Sketches