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Why read Aristotle? - the Science of Data Organization --- return to Handouts Page |
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Aristotle's OrganonData organization techniques didn't begin with the computer age. In fact, as described in Business Database Triage, organized data storage didn't even become very practical until well after many businesses had already adopted computers to support their operations. Remember 80 column cards and magnetic tape?In fact, the science of data categorization and organization was mature enough by 350bce that Aristotle's treatise on this subject, the Organon, is still the most complete and exhaustive coverage of database design ever written. Aristotle, unfortunately, wasn't able to obtain any time on the early mainframes in Athens to explain how to apply these principles to modern relational database design. The Organon is, to be sure, a tough slog, even with an English translation, but once Aristotle's approach ( explained by examples in Business Database Triage ) is grasped, logical solutions to many thorny design issues become apparent. Not surprisingly, the Organon has been continuously available since the days of Alexander the Great, and can be easily located on-line in the original Greek or a variety of translations if you have any interest. Links to e-pubs for English translations of three of the most relevant books (chapters in modern terms) are given below. Aristotle's Organon
Why Aristotle? - Database Design NoteView the extended Database Design Note "Why Aristotle?" (pdf).
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