From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Most generally, a representation is a performing of selected functions or roles of another physical or abstract object/person/organization in predefined circumstances and it is based on the consensus of the group/community involved. For example, an ambassador or a sport team may represent their nation. Graphical figures or written symbolic text may represent some abstract ideas or physical objects.
In mathematics, the same concepts and their interrelations can be represented using different notations.
- representation (mathematics)
In artificial intelligence, computer science, operations research, and systems science, the meaning of the term is similar to simulation, but simulation does not require a consensus and refers rather to the imitation of the behavior of the simulated object, whereas a representation refers rather to the expression of opinions or symbolic behaviors on the behalf of the represented subject.
More particularly, representation can refer to:
- Representation (politics), one's ability to influence the political process
- In unionised workplaces, shop stewards and union executives can represent employees who are members of the bargaining unit.
- Representation (arts), the depiction and ethical concerns of construction in visual arts and literature.
- Representative democracy
- Representation theory, a way of viewing abstract mathematical structures such as groups in some more concrete way
- Knowledge representation, as a search for formal ways to describe knowledge presented in informal terms (a prerequisite for its handling as computation)
- The logical meaning of an object in object-oriented programming
- Legal representation or advocacy is provided by lawyers
- Lobbying for a group of individuals or companies
Representation is also a key topic in the philosophy of mind and in social psychology.
