For virtually every major category of phenomena, science provides some standard schematic (e.g., the cross-section of the earth). The most notable exception concerns the cosmos as a whole. Project Cosmology is devoted to the presentation of such an holistic schematic. This is to be achieved by plotting the standard schematics for constituent phenomena within a three-dimensional coordinate system, time on the vertical axis and space on the other two. This produces a unification of schematics. As is discussed, this approach has the effect of allowing, more generally, an interactive unification of all graphical concept representations (schematics, graphs, formulae, tables, etc.). The result is a 3D, scientific, graphical user interface (GUI), one that is intended to map all knowledge. It can be characterized as a graphics approach to knowledge organization. It will be for scientific concepts what the Human Genome Project is to human DNA. The project is having the effect of revealing unnoticed gaps in knowledge, inconsistencies among the different sciences and apparent regularities throughout and across the various disciplines. Any such regularities would be laws relating to laws (i.e., laws relating to knowledge). The project, then, may facilitate the development of scientific epistemology (something already in process). This unification of concept representations is based on a cosmological perspective that provides a one-to-one correspondence between major entity and aspect classifications. [For more detail see the upcoming article in Knowledge Organization. Meanwhile, a prepress draft is available. There is also a brief discussion at the main page. Use the back button and follow the link, “Unified Schematic (Enter).”]
This site presents a complex exercise in 3D, scientific visualization. It can be demanding of a computer; it would be best to use a high-end machine with a good video card. You will need MS Windows 2000 or higher. You will need to install the 3D “client,” Cortona. No other client will work properly for this application. Cortona can be downloaded at the preceding link. It is usually best to choose the 64-bit version. When installing Cortona, you will be given an option between OpenGL and DirectX. It is usually best to choose DirectX. When the installation is finished, you will have the option to open a simple 3D scene prepared by the publishers of Cortona (Parallel Graphics). It would be helpful to do this. You can then familiarize yourself with the Cortona navigation bar. If you experience problems, come back to this page and review the following section.
Troubleshooting
1)
Poor
Scene Quality. One of the major issues for 3D content concerns poor quality
images for ordinary display settings, especially text. If the 3D scenes look
rough or uneven, you will need to adjust the settings for your video card.
2)
Deactivate
ActiveX blockers. In Internet Explorer, you will see a yellow “infobar”
(“To help protect your security…”) that alerts you to the presence of ActiveX
content, if ActiveX content is already blocked. Right click on that and select
“Allow blocked content...” Be aware that ActiveX content is said to have some
potential for damaging computers and we cannot assume any responsibility for
this. The program has been tested on various computers without causing any
damage, but there is apparently still some possibility, although very small. On
the other hand, the computer will probably just crash before any damage is
done. To always allow ActiveX content, in Internet Explorer, go the Tools menu,
select Internet Options and then the Advanced tab. Then scroll down to the
Security heading and check the box for “Allow active content to run in files on
my computer.”
3)
Enable
JavaScript (if you have disenabled it previously).
4)
Set preferences.
Once the 3D scene is rendered, you can right-click in any blank area to access
a control menu. Disregard all options except “Preferences.” At that option,
select “Renderer.” Disregard all others. On the left, select the option that
matches your video functionality (DirectX or OpenGL).
5)
Read the
introductory material. See especially the Instructions for using the Cortona
navigation controls and the site Map.
6)
Close any other
programs or documents. (This can be a demanding application; it is best to
eliminate any additional burden on your computer.)
I
apologize for these complications, but interactive 3D is still problematic for
the personal computer. If you have difficulties, please contact me at mgchannon@live.com.
There is nothing in the program
that collects information, allows remote access or inserts software without
your knowledge.