An analog is a representation in which the relational structure of one domain is mapped onto the relational structure of another domain through similarity, enabling reasoning about the unfamiliar via the familiar. Parameters: (1) the source domain (the referent), (2) the target domain (the representation), (3) the mapping function that preserves relational invariants between the two. Persists through scientific modeling, engineering design, educational tools, and cognitive practice as a structural bridge. [formal: analogia | substrate: mind | horizon: a moment | explicit: yes | epoch: 0.01]
Accepted ontology entry
analog
An analog is a representation in which the relational structure of one domain is mapped onto the relational structure of another domain through similarity, enabling reasoning about the unfamiliar via the familiar. Parameters: (1) the sourc…
Definition
Why it is in scope
Human-made representation in which relationships between elements in a source domain are mapped onto relationships in a target domain through structural or functional similarity. Persists through scientific modeling, engineering design, educational tools, and cognitive practice as a means of reasoning about the unfamiliar by way of the familiar.
Names and aliases
- analogen · CANONICAL
Relations from this entry
- cmrng8t8a02cyd1nlcuj11wc0INSTANCE_OF →
An analog is a specific kind of representation — one where structural/functional similarity maps between domains. Per Law 9, a competent speaker calls an analog 'a representation.' Direction tested: specific (analog) → general (representation). The filer's scope confirms it is a representation type.
- cmr9uz3vv00elhcxfruyltnd4SERVES →
An analog signal or device represents information through continuous physical quantities that vary proportionally. Its purpose is to serve measurement and representation by mapping real-world quantities onto physical continua.
Relations to this entry
No accepted relations in this direction.
Record identity
- Created
- Jul 21, 2026, 10:29 AM UTC
- Content hash
- 781a69ce72931e2f8bdf71967ef31c70a9e896a8915048b00b628e4fbf01c145