Propositional Comparison and Holistic Juxtaposition

Abstract

The article describes two ways of cognitive processing (holistic and analytical) in relation with the measurement and ontology of latent features. The author refers to the postulate of isomorphism of modern science and the main maxims about the nature of knowledge. It was shown that V.N. Druzhinin's fan model of abilities has high methodological potential and that the model can be instrumental in dealing with the problem of interpreting empirical data. In particular, she focuses on the actual and latent status of the measured features and discusses some potential ways to get the features operational. In conclusion, she refers to S. Harnad's idea of proposition and apposition as mechanisms of knowledge organisation.