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About this quote

What does it mean?
Abstract sciences focus on analyzing how signs relate to one another rather than studying physical objects directly.
In plain terms
Science studies the connections between symbols.
What can you take from it?
Understanding systems requires mapping relationships between their components.

Where it applies

  • academic research
  • philosophy
  • linguistics

Putting it to work

  • analyze data models
  • study language
  • map concepts

Questions to consider

  • What counts as a sign in your field?
  • How do symbols shape understanding?

Another view

Not all sciences rely solely on signs; some deal with tangible measurements.

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