Continuum (measurement)
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Continuum (pl.: continua or continuums) theories or models explain variation as involving gradual quantitative transitions without abrupt changes or discontinuities. In contrast, categorical theories or models explain variation using qualitatively different states.[1]
In physics
In physics, for example, the space-time continuum model describes space and time as part of the same continuum rather than as separate entities. A spectrum in physics, such as the electromagnetic spectrum, is often termed as either continuous (with energy at all wavelengths) or discrete (energy at only certain wavelengths).
In contrast, quantum mechanics uses quanta, certain defined amounts (i.e. categorical amounts) which are distinguished from continuous amounts.
In mathematics and philosophy
A good introduction to the philosophical issues involved is
's. Bell isolates two distinct historical conceptions ofIn social sciences, psychology and psychiatry
In
Expert witnesses particularly are trained to help courts in translating the data into the legal (e.g. 'guilty' vs. 'not guilty') dichotomy, which apply to law, sociology and ethics.
In linguistics
In
References
- ^
PMID 17750512.
- ^ Bell, John L. (2005-07-27). "Continuity and Infinitesimals". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 2023-10-03.
External links
- Continuity and infinitesimals, John Bell, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy