“A map is only useful if it simplifies things. » How does this apply to knowledge? » The title of this essay states that the usefulness of a map in knowledge is limited to its capacity to simplify things. Before discussing this topic, it is important to examine the key words used in the claim formulation. A map can be defined as a clear representation of any physical space or existing location. “The area depicted on maps can range from the entire world to a single neighborhood, and most maps are represented on a flat, two-dimensional plane. The purpose of a map is to describe the spatial relationships of specific features that the cartographer or cartographer chooses to represent. (James Ford Bell Library) Using this analogy, the title, I believe, refers to patterns and representations in various fields of knowledge and not a cartographic map per se. Simplicity is the state of being simple and uncomplicated. It is widely accepted that the most effective knowledge is the simplest and most straightforward, both to explain and to use, although this is not always the case. According to Ramm, simplicity encompasses exactly the right details, the right difficulties, the right complexity, but because everything is linked in the right way, you end up with a sense of clarity and a feeling that everything belongs exactly in its place. Simplicity is achieved when everything means something. (Ramm) Here we see that in acquiring knowledge, simplicity is a good thing, therefore, if a map is simplified, it must be good and useful. The assertion discussed here is that the only way to obtain a map or a way of representing things can be useful if it simplifies the knowledge that the real territory gives, that is to say if it reduces the salient middle of the paper......and more useful when it's simplified because it points you in the right direction so you can fill in the details as you gain more knowledge yourself. Its predictive power also allows us to formulate scientific hypotheses which can be confirmed or refuted after experimentation. Simplification tends to explain things better and even help us predict what should be. On the other hand, it can be argued that these simplifications also omit important details and might not be very useful in the long run. .Works CitedDuck. The duck of the mind. December 14, 2012. Webpage. April 9, 2014. IB teachers and graduate students. theory of knowledge.net. January 12, 2014. webpage. April 30, 2014.James Ford Bell Library. The University of Minnesota on the road to discovery. January 5, 2010. webpage. April 30, 2014. Ramm, Mark. Composed thought. May 31, 2006. Webpage. April 30 2014.