If we have a ultimate encyclopedia as a semantic network, is it possible to zoom infinitely inside every point of it(and uniquely, always end up with some new discovery)?
INSIDE: At some stage of zooming in on knowledge, you will come to some elemental questions which cannot (usefully) be subdivided any more. These are the atoms of knowledge, the smallest elements of knowledge that can be taught. If you try to zoom in on these, they break up. Some examples might be: Is 1+1=2? Is the colour of the sky green? These elemental questions will presumably be taught early in a child's life. Think of the annoying child continuing to ask a chain of "why?" questions:
Dad: "Its raining outside". "Why?" "Because there is too much water in the air". "Why?" "Because the seas and lakes have given up their water." "Why?" "Because the sun is shining on them." "Why?" "Go ask Mommy..."
At some stage the annoyed parents will snap: "Because I say so!" This is when you have reached the elemental question.
BETWEEN: There will always be gaps in our human knowledge base. There will always be a need for research.
IMHO, limited number of words can be used to illustrate the intended knowledge transfer to the reader from the writer. On the other hand, the understanding, and the comprehension of the reader is not (and cannot be) bounded by either the number of words, or the scope of the writer. There a huge and unlimited resilience in this regard.
There is* a huge and unlimited resilience in this regard. Sorry, the text editing option is unavailable within the in hand platform.
I think that there is always more than can be learned about a subject. There may be a discrete number of facts, but analysis of implications can go on and on.
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