From the verb "amplify" derives the substantive, "ampliative", jargon in the philosophical theory
of logic.
"Ampliative": A given reasoning process can increase the knowledge already possessed.
But this is believed to be impossible in STANDARD LOGIC, which REVEALS "ONLY WHAT IS THERE".
STANDARD LOGIC is also MONOTONIC -- REMAINING THE SAME OR INCREASING ONLY WHEN NEW TRUTHS ARE ADJOINED
-- from outside. ONLY A NONMONOTONIC MEASURE WHICH INCREASES AND DECREASES CAN GUIDE US IN DECISIONS.
Logicians say that such a CORRECTIVE is impossible. (Prepare for a surprise!)
CIVILIZATION DERIVES FROM AT LEAST TWO (CORRECTIVE) AMPLIATIVE PROCESSES:
- TRADING BETWEEN HUMANS STARTED TO "SHOW A PROFIT". The CALVINIST outmanuevering of THE ROMAN
CATHOLIC BAN ON "USURY" ACCUMULATED OUR PRESENT ECONOMIC SOCIETY.
- CRUDE PREHISTORIC DEVICES PROGRESSED INTO MECHANICS. By definition, A MACHINE is a
PROCESS WHICH MAGNIFIES OR AMPLIFIES ITS INPUT. Examples:
- A LEVER TRADES-OFF LENGTH FOR LOAD: Place the FULCRUM (balancer) of the LEVER so PART ON FORCE-ARM
is 3 TIMES THE LENGTH ON LOAD-ARM, and you can RAISE 3 TIMES AS MUCH FOR GIVEN FORCE. A LEVER IS
AMPLIATIVE.
- A PULLEY TRADES-OFF ROPE-LENGTH FOR LOAD: A PULLEY SYSTEM WITH 3 ROPE-LENGTHS ACTING ON THE LOAD
RAISES 3 TIMES THE LOAD FOR GIVEN FORCE. A PULLEY IS AMPLIATIVE.
So are other MACHINES (wheel-and-axle, inclined plan, screw, xxx, etc.). So also ELECTRINES (computers,
radios, TV sets, tape and CD players, etc.).
AMPLIATION has dragged us, kicking and screaming, this far. AMPLIATION in our DECISION-
MAKING CAN
DRAG US INTO A WILDCAT REVOLUTION!