Trunk · trunk
The semantic tree
Knowledge has a shape. Trunk and big branches first; leaves later, or they fall.
This hangs on First principles.
See on the treeThe metaphor is not decoration. Semantics is meaning-structure: what follows from what, what a word is doing, what a claim needs. A tree is a dependency graph that grew. You cannot hang Literature on nothing. You cannot hang a simulation hypothesis on a feeling that the graphics are good.
This entire tree is that sentence, built out as a map you can walk.
It is important to view knowledge as sort of a semantic tree. Make sure you understand the fundamental principles, ie the trunk and big branches, before you get into the leaves/details or there is nothing for them to hang on to.