PKM - Replace Type with Kind and Form (2025.8)

form: system

Problem

My original note system used type and subtype to define a note’s identity.
- This created a subtle logical inconsistency.
The term subtype implies a strict hierarchy.
- This works for type: entity where a book is a subtype.
- It breaks down for other cases.
  - An idea is not a subtype of narration. It is a form of it.
  - A framework is not just a subtype of a process.
This inconsistency created friction when creating notes.

I replaced type and subtype with kind and form.
- This creates a more robust and logical relationship.
kind describes the note’s essence.
- It answers, “What kind of thing is this?”
form describes the note’s structure or manifestation.
- It answers, “What form does it take?”
The new relationship is Essence (kind) & Manifestation (form).
- This idea is explained in Model vs. Definition vs. Principle.
Why kind and not type?
- type is a term from computer science, suggesting a functional category.
- kind is a term from philosophy, suggesting an intrinsic nature.
- kind better captures the intent of human sense-making in a knowledge system.