− | <li> A "surprise" calls for an explanation to resolve the uncertainty that is present in it. This uncertainty is associated with a difference between observations and expectations. | + | <li> A ''surprise'' calls for an explanation to resolve the uncertainty that is present in it. This uncertainty is associated with a difference between observations and expectations. |
− | <li> A "problem" calls for a plan of action to resolve the difficulty that is present in it. This difficulty is associated with a difference between observations and intentions. | + | <li> A ''problem'' calls for a plan of action to resolve the difficulty that is present in it. This difficulty is associated with a difference between observations and intentions. |
− | To express this diversity in a unified formula: Both types of inquiry begin with a "delta", a compact term that admits of expansion as a debt, a difference, a difficulty, a discrepancy, a dispersion, a distribution, a doubt, a duplicity, or a duty.</li> | + | To express this diversity in a unified formula, both types of inquiry begin with a ''delta'', a <math>\Delta</math>, a compact term that admits a full spectrum of expansions: debt, difference, difficulty, discrepancy, dispersion, distribution, doubt, duplicity, or duty.</li> |