Pattern Theory: Memory, Interpretation, Understanding, Meaning

Pattern Theory is a groundbreaking exploration of the concept of pattern across a range of disciplines, including science, neuroscience, psychology, and social sciences. This book examines the meaning and implications of pattern, presenting a comprehensive body of theory that unifies concepts of form, order, and regularity and connects them to memory and perception. By challenging existing orthodoxies and linking evidence from brain and mind function, it outlines a robust theoretical framework around pattern searching and matching, pattern activation, and the continuity of pattern nexuses. This in-depth study of pattern theory and pattern thinking delves into the cognitive basis of patterns, their impact on reasoning and learning, and the social and collaborative nature of pattern recognition, expression, and representation. It also addresses philosophical issues and implications surrounding shared pattern thinking and introduces a broad conceptual basis for "pattern inquiry", providing a range of questions and methodologies for applying pattern theory. The book culminates in a manifesto for pattern theory and its application in pattern inquiry, offering 50 key principles that can be applied across various settings. Researchers, scholars, and practitioners are encouraged to explore and critique this unified theory as a lens for examining social and cognitive phenomena. Ideal for academics and professionals seeking to challenge their understanding of the connections between mind and society, as well as for those looking to deepen their understanding of pattern as a cognitive phenomenon, as a theoretical lens, and as a meta-methodology for inquiry, this text provides a substantive foundation for ongoing development and application of pattern science across multiple fields.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements 1. An Introduction Word Games Structure of the Book References 2: We Need to Talk about Pattern Philosophical Perspectives on Pattern Design Patterns and Pattern Languages Mathematics and Patterns Pattern and Mind Pattern Aesthetics Chapter Summary References 3: Form, Order, and Regularity Form Order Regularity Chapter Summary References 4: Perception and Pattern Patterns and Memories Pattern Perception Abductive, Integrative, Efficient Attention, Cueing, Anticipation Micropattern, Mesopattern, Macropattern Pause for Thought Chapter Summary References 5: Pattern Thinking Affordances Interpretations Pattern Reasoning Affective Pattern Thinking Pattern and Learning Pattern and Learning Theory Shared Pattern Thinking Limits to Pattern Thinking Artificial Pattern Thinking Chapter Summary References 6: Externalising Patterns Pattern Instances Pattern Expressions Pattern Representations Pattern Systems and Pattern Languages Pattern Creativity Chapter Summary References 7: Pattern Philosophy Pattern Ontologies General Pattern Epistemologies Macropattern Epistemologies Pattern Meta-epistemology Pattern Axiology Chapter Summary References 8: The Basis of Pattern Inquiry Patterned Theory Pattern Inquiry Methodological Precedents Chapter Summary References 9: The Practicalities of Pattern Inquiry Worked Example Developing a Pattern System Pattern-Informed Inquiry Implied and Latent Pattern Thinking Integrating Pattern Inquiry Rigour and Integrity in Pattern Science Chapter Summary References 10. A Pattern Manifesto Patterns Pattern Thinking Shared Pattern Thinking Pattern Inquiry Situating Pattern Theory Word Games Conclusions References Index

About the Author :
Rachel H. Ellaway is a professor in Community Health Sciences, and Director of the Office of Health and Medical Education Scholarship, at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.