AMPLIFY

AMPLIFY OR CRY

From the verb "amplify" derives the substantive, "ampliative", jargon in the philosophical theory of logic.
"Ampliative": A given reasoning process can increase the knowledge already possessed.

But this is believed to be impossible in STANDARD LOGIC, which REVEALS "ONLY WHAT IS THERE". STANDARD LOGIC is also MONOTONIC -- REMAINING THE SAME OR INCREASING ONLY WHEN NEW TRUTHS ARE ADJOINED -- from outside. ONLY A NONMONOTONIC MEASURE WHICH INCREASES AND DECREASES CAN GUIDE US IN DECISIONS. Logicians say that such a CORRECTIVE is impossible. (Prepare for a surprise!)

CIVILIZATION DERIVES FROM AT LEAST TWO (CORRECTIVE) AMPLIATIVE PROCESSES:

TRADING BETWEEN HUMANS STARTED TO "SHOW A PROFIT". The CALVINIST outmanuevering of THE ROMAN CATHOLIC BAN ON "USURY" ACCUMULATED OUR PRESENT ECONOMIC SOCIETY.

CRUDE PREHISTORIC DEVICES PROGRESSED INTO MECHANICS. By definition, A MACHINE is a PROCESS WHICH MAGNIFIES OR AMPLIFIES ITS INPUT. Examples:

A LEVER TRADES-OFF LENGTH FOR LOAD: Place the FULCRUM (balancer) of the LEVER so PART ON FORCE-ARM is 3 TIMES THE LENGTH ON LOAD-ARM, and you can RAISE 3 TIMES AS MUCH FOR GIVEN FORCE. A LEVER IS AMPLIATIVE.
A PULLEY TRADES-OFF ROPE-LENGTH FOR LOAD: A PULLEY SYSTEM WITH 3 ROPE-LENGTHS ACTING ON THE LOAD RAISES 3 TIMES THE LOAD FOR GIVEN FORCE. A PULLEY IS AMPLIATIVE. So are other MACHINES (wheel-and-axle, inclined plan, screw, xxx, etc.). So also ELECTRINES (computers, radios, TV sets, tape and CD players, etc.).
AMPLIATION has dragged us, kicking and screaming, this far. AMPLIATION in our DECISION-
MAKING CAN DRAG US INTO A WILDCAT REVOLUTION!

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