Hypernomics

CHAPTER 9N‐Dimensional Systems

"There could be more to the universe than the three dimensions we are familiar with. They are hidden from us in some way, perhaps because they're tiny or warped. But even if they're invisible, they could affect what we actually observe in the universe.”

Lisa Randall

“Evolution has ensured that our brains just aren't equipped to visualize 11 dimensions directly. However, from a purely mathematical point of view, it's just as easy to think in 11 dimensions as it is to think in three or four.”

Stephen Hawking

The economic world with any number of, or N, dimensions is as real as any other. While the mere thought of an unlimited number of dimensions displayed simultaneously might appear mentally overwhelming, it turns out that the few mechanisms that form it are akin to a small number of familiar objects and concepts taken from everyday life. Those ordinary things include 1) pie, 2) logarithmic scaling (used to measure earthquake, sound, and light intensities), 3) Rolodexes (a physical filing system typically using card stock), 4) concentric circles, and 5) parallelograms (as in extendable mirrors).

Furthermore, N‐dimensional systems exist not only when it comes to the economy but taken together they are the sum of our collective economic output. Thus, to limit the analysis to fit within the framework of this book, N‐dimensional systems, as applied here, will only address economics. While aspects of this line of inquiry may well appeal to some ...