Page 42 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Unit 2: Theory of Subjects

Self Assessment Notes

Fill in the blanks:
11. Primary basic subject is a classification of subjects that covers several fields mentioned in
the …………………..
12. Mode of formation of the first set of primary basic subjects is by ……………………..

13. The idea of “management” can take place in a diversity of ……………………….. along
with different primary basic subjects.
14. …………………………………. can be a basic subject, that is the first component in
representing a subject.

2.5 Compound and Complex Subjects

In this section of the unit you will get an insight on the compound and complex subjects.

2.5.1 Compound Subject

The term ‘Compound Subject’ denotes a subject with a Basic Facet – this is compulsory – and one
or more Isolate Facets added after it. For example, “Cure of inflammation of eyes in a human-
being”. This is a Compound Subject going with the Basic Facet Medicine. This Basic Facet is
represented in the name of the Compound Subject by the term ‘in a human-being’.

In the Indian Theory of Classification, Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time are postulated
to be the Five Fundamental Categories, of one, and only one of which, an Isolate Facet in a
Compound Subject is deemed to be a manifestation. For example in the Compound Subject
mentioned in the preceding section:
The isolate “Eyes” is deemed to be a manifestation to the Fundamental Category
“Personality”;

The isolate “Inflammation” is deemed to be a manifestation of the Fundamental Category
“Matter (Property)”;

The isolate “Cure” is deemed to be a manifestation of the Fundamental Category “Energy”.
2.5.2 Complex Subjects

A subject in which two or more basic subjects or compound subjects or basic subjects and
compound subjects are brought into relation is called a Complex Subject. The following are
some examples:

“Calculus for Electrical Engineers”. Here, the subject of exposition is “Calculus”. The
subject “Electrical Engineering” biases the exposition. It is called the ‘Biasing Phase’.
“Calculus” is Phase 1 and “Electrical Engineering” is Phase 2. The relation is called ‘Bias
Phase Relation’.
“Mathematical Study of Investment”. Here, “Investment” is Phase 1. “Mathematics” is
Phase 2. It is called the ‘Tool Phase’. The relation is called ‘Tool Phase Relation’. This
concept was abandoned for some time. It is now found necessary to revive it.
“Buddhistic influence on early Christian Rituals”. Here, “Christian Rituals” is Phase 1.
“Buddhism” is Phase 2. It is called the ‘Influencing Phase’. The relation is called ‘Influencing
Phase Relation’. Apart from stating here that a Scheme for Classification should have
provision for the representation of Complex Subjects, these subjects do not call for any
further remarks in this paper.

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