The document presents a seminar talk by Jeffrey G. Long on new methods for representing complex systems, stemming from the notion that notational systems influence understanding. Long introduces the concept of 'ultra-structure,' a framework derived from transformational grammar that aims to better analyze and represent complex rules across various systems. The presentation emphasizes the importance of competency rules and their grouped classes, or ruleforms, in establishing the deep structure of systems like corporations or legal frameworks.

1. Cover Page
New Ways to
Represent Complex
Systems & Processes
Author: Jeffrey G. Long (jefflong@aol.com)
Date: November 2, 1994
Forum: Talk presented at a seminar of the George Washington University
Notational Engineering Laboratory (NEL).
Contents
Pages 1‐11: Slides (but no text) for oral presentation
License
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial
3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by‐nc/3.0/ or send a letter to Creative
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Uploaded June 19, 2011

2. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Benjamin Whorf's thesis of linguistic relativity was summarized as follows:
"First, that all higher levels of thinking are dependent upon
language. Second, that the structure of the language one
habitually uses influences the manner in which one understands
his environment. The picture of the universe shifts from tongue
to tongue."1
Broadening this to apply to notational systems in general, we could say:
First, that all higher levels of thinking are dependent upon
notational systems. Second, that the structure of the notational
systems one habitually uses influence the manner in which one
understands his environment. The picture of the universe shifts
from notational system to notational system.
The Notational Hypothesis
1-- John B. Carroll (Editor), Language, Thought, & Reality: Selected Writings of Benjamin Lee Whorf.
Cambridge MA: The M.I.T. Press, 1956. Page vi
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3. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Galaxies
Codes
Phonetic
Writing
Speech
Gestures
Referential Tiers of Linguistic Notation
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4. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Ultra-Structure is a general theory regarding the improved representation of complex rules. It offers
a new analytical framework for understanding complex systems and processes. It was originally
derived from the linguist Noam Chomsky's work on transformational grammar, although his theory
has been substantially modified. Ultra-Structure is based upon two key hypotheses:
The Ruleform Hypothesis: Complex systems are generated as a byproduct of processes, which can
in turn be defined by "competency rules" (i.e. operating rules, strategy rules, and other kinds of rules).
After translating a selection of competency rules into a canonical form, the rules can be grouped into a
small number of classes called "ruleforms." While the competency rules of a system may change over
time, the ruleforms will remain constant. All competency rules are executed by relatively few and
simple "animation procedures." A well-designed collection of ruleforms can anticipate all logically
possible competency rules that might apply to the system, and constitutes the deep structure of the
system.
The CORE Hypothesis: A well-designed collection of ruleforms and animation procedures can
support the competency rules (operating rules, strategy rule, and other kinds of rules) used by all
systems sharing broad family resemblances, e.g. all corporations, all games, or all legal systems.
These Competency Rule Engines, or COREs, consist of <50 ruleforms. The animation procedures for
each engine are relatively simple compared to current applications, requiring less than 100,000 lines
of code in a third generation language. The family differences in manifest structures and behaviors are
represented entirely as differences in their competency rules.
Ultra-Structure is a New Notation for Complex Rules
Page 3 of 11

5. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
1. The meeting will start at 10 AM.
2. y = ax + b OR
3. IF (TOTAL > 1000) THEN
TOTAL = TOTAL - (TOTAL * DISCOUNT)
END IF
4.
5.
Rules are Ubiquitous
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6. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
No Smoking ($50 Fine)
may be re-interpreted as:
(1) law-abiding citizens will not smoke
(2) outlaw citizens who smoke and are caught and cited may be subject to a
$50 fine
It implies:
(3) outlaw citizens may smoke if desired
And, presumably:
(4) patrolmen will seek outlaws and issue citations
All Rules are Descriptive
Page 5 of 11

7. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
<-------------------------------- Ruleform ------------------------------------>
<---------- Factors ---------><-------------- Considerations ------------>
LOCATION PERSON ACTION PERMIT ALT
RESTAURANT ADULT SMOKING NO $50 FINE Rule 1
STREET (ANY) SPITTING NO $75 FINE Rule 2
HOME ADULT SMOKING YES Rule 3
HOME MINOR SMOKING NO $50 FINE Rule 4
RESTAURANT MINOR DRINKING NO $200 FINE Rule 5
All Rules Can be Put Into a Canonical If/Then Form
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8. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Rules in Raw Form
Rules in Canonical Form
1 Factor 2 Factors 3 Factors
Agencies Locations Relationships
In That Form, They Can Be Further Grouped by Class
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9. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Report er/Case A ssert ors
A ssert ors
Relat ions Net w ork
Cases
Relat ionships Net w ork
Tim e Periods
Tim e Periods Net w ork Cases
Concept rons Claim s St at em ent s
The Resulting Deep Structure is a More Efficient Representation
(This is the tentative deep structure of scientific arguments)
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10. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
The Basic Distinction is Form versus Content
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11. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
Surface Structure
Manifest behavior = Particulars
& structure
Softw are (generate)
Animation Procedures
Records Middle Structure
= Rules
(content of)
Tables Deep Structure = Ruleforms
(collected into)
Featural Structure
Attributes = Universals
(grouped into)
Notational Structure
Character set = Abstractions
A New Analytical Framework for Complexity
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12. Jeffrey G. Long [11/2/1994]
New Ways to Represent Complex Systems & Processes
CORE/001: Artificial Life*
CORE/160: Scientific Arguments*
CORE/340: Laws*
CORE/420: Language
CORE/530: Physics
CORE/570: Biology
CORE/650: Organizations*
CORE/780: Music*
CORE/790: Games*
* - actively underway
Goal: Discover the Deep Structure of a Variety of System Types
Page 11 of 11