Lists & hierarchies

Let's get back on track with lists that aren't deliberately trying to be deceptive.

But first, what have we learned so far?

• A list contains items.
• These items represent a particular slice of reality (or a fictional world).
  • In science, you'd call these items a sample.
  • In maths, you'd call them a set.
  • In fiction, you'd call them descriptive details.
• Lists can use words, pictures, or both.
• List items can be described with more or less detail.
  • When items have limited detail, we tend not to have an opinion about them one way or another.
  • More detail can make list items seem more or less believable, depending on the specifics.
• List items are usually related in some way.
  • If the items seem like they belong together, we find the list more believable.
  • If items don't belong together, we might find the list less believable.

That's a surprising amount of insight into lists already. But wait, there's more!

Let's explore that last point, about relationships.