The parable of six blind men and an elephant, goes like this —
When a group of blind men, who had never come across an elephant before, encounter the tusker for the first time, they try to conceptualize the animal by touching it. Each blind man feels a different part of the elephant’s body, but only one body part, such as the tail or the trunk. Then they discuss their understanding about the elephant.
The man who had touched the elephant’s side says, “It’s very much like a wall.”
The one who held the elephant’s tusk declares, “No! it’s like a smooth spear.”
“Not really. It’s like a python.” Claims the man who grabbed the trunk.
“You’re all mistaken.” shouts the man who got the elephant’s tail. “It’s like a thick rope.”
“I know we’re all blind but have you guys lost your mind also?” The fifth man who touched the animal’s ears says, “It’s like a big fan.”
“Come on, folks! What’s wrong with all of you?” Argues the sixth man who was leaning against the elephant’s knee, “It’s definitely like a tree.” [Read more…] about Latticework of Mental Models: The Rashomon Effect