A Diagram of The Cycle (the process of applying form science)
Definitions
THE CYCLE : The process of applying the methods of form science.
A FORMAT : A system of rules and etiquette governing the operation of a particular type of physical interaction between people that may, or may not a practical functionality.
A TECHNIQUE : The execution of a specific physical interaction to achieve a specific end. One must say a technique for doing something i.e. putting someone off balance or making the coffee!
A PRINCIPLE : An understanding of a specific consequence of operating within a specific format. One must say a principle of something i.e. self defence or armed combat. You can not just have 'a principle'!
A FORM : A specific sequence of movements and postures, possibly used for recording techniques pertinent to and or principles relating to one or many formats.
A STYLE : A classification based on general overall features of something e.g. a way of moving or a shape of posture.
Basic Axioms
THE INTELLIGENT CREATOR AXIOM. The creators of the forms in question were creating them in a sensible manner.
WORKING FORMAT AXIOM. The creators of the forms in question had a well developed understanding of the format(s) for which they were creating forms
Methods of Testing Hypothetical Applications
THE SIMILARITY TEST. Does the application resemble the movement in form when done in the air? If it does the test is passed.
THE OPTIMIZING TEST. Is there a better way of performing the same application by using different movements? If there is then the test is failed.
THE RE-CREATION TEST. If you were creating a technique to perform the function that this application performs might the technique that you create resemble the movement in form when done in the air? If yes then it passes.
THE CONSISTENCY TEST. Is the application consistent with other applications from the same form? If yes then it passes.
THE PRACTICALITY TEST. Is it practical to record this application in a form? If yes then it passes.
Methods of Testing Theoretical Formats
THE HYPOTHETICAL APPLICATION CONSISTENCY TEST. Testing the format with respect to the hypothetical applications of a form. Can the hypothetical applications be used within the format? If the answer is yes then the test is passed.
THE SELF CONSISTENCY TEST. Testing the format with respect to itself. Does the format work as a practise or does it degenerate? Is the format stable? If the answer is yes then the test is passed.
THE TECHNIQUE CONSISTENCY TEST. Comparison of techniques created specifically for the format with hypothetical applications from original forms. Are techniques created specifically for the format stylistically similar to the hypothetical applications proposed for the form? If the answer is yes the test is passed.
THE FORM CONSISTENCY TEST. Comparison of forms created from techniques created specifically for the format with original forms. Are forms generated from techniques created specifically for this format stylistically similar to the forms that are being studied? If the answer is yes the test is passed.
Other Principles
SAFETY PRINCIPLE. The application of the Intelligent Creator Axiom and The Working Format Axiom to a form to which they do not apply will not reveal any underlying format(s)
UNIQUENESS PRINCIPLE. It is unlikely that one will not find two different formats that produce stylistically similar forms.
OCCAM's RAZOR PRINCIPLE. (translated into the language of Form Science). One should not utilize more formats than the minimum required to explain the existence of the stylistic group forms that you have chosen to investigate.
