Abstract

Metaphors are being sold as substantive knowledge, where very little substance underpins the metaphor. Following the slogan "fight metaphor with metaphor," a metaphor has been developed to describe roles in processes of inquiry that may be appropriate to make relevant distinctions. Four types of actors operating the Sea of Knowledge are discussed.
The surfer has a very exciting and potentially profitable existence in the Sea of Knowledge, and loves to find a huge wave and ride it ad nauseum. However, the surfer's only knowledge of below the surface phenomena comes either when the surfer is rudely dunked or when the surfer listens to some other actors who have deliberately chosen to go below the surface: something the surfer is normally not inclined to do without coercion.
The scuba diver deliberately goes below the surface, but only to restricted depths and only for moderate periods of time, usually when on vacation from other activity. The scuba diver often sees a beautiful undersea world, but normally only that part which is characterized by diversity and beauty, as opposed to valuable minerals; in other words, "feel good but do no good."
The pearl diver goes deep, but for very brief periods, and looks only for a pre-established treasure.
The deep-sea diver does deep, and in a very cumbersome mode, and when surfacing, may be severely damaged if too much is sought too soon. Now and then huge treasurers are discovered, the rewards of which usually to to some one else.
 

Biography

John Warfield is the author of five books (science of generic design, interactive management, societal systems, logic design, analog computers) and one pending; over 100 papers on complexity, organizations, systems education, management, electronics, philosophy, computers.