Ergonomics for computerists: two and a half analogies

I've started reading Bertrand Russell. In your 20s, questioning whether the table exists is a search for wisdom. In your 70s, it is a sign of dementia.

(Philosophy): Does the table exist? ... We can only admit sense data.

(Quantum): Does the table exist? ... It only exists when measured.

(Comp. Sci): Does the table exist? ... That depends. The table definition implies a table that does not (yet) exist. Instantiating the table makes it exist, except in the case where the table is dynamically allocated, in which case it is partial.

(AI): Does the table exist? ... The neural net is undecided whether this is a table or a chair.

(Politics): Does the table exist? ... Let's table that resolution and never speak of it again.

(Amazon): Does the table exist? ... Your table shipment has been delayed.

(Dad): Does the table exist? ... My broken little toe is permanent evidence that the table exists.

(Me): Does the table exist? ... define 'exists'

(Wife): Does the table exist? ... OMG, can you be more pedentic?

I've designed a ultrafine analogic lesson for explaining ergonomics to my non designer peers. But beware! This is philosophy, not your average tutorial. As the quote attributed to Alexandre Dumas goes: "Learning does not make one learned: there are those who have knowledge and those who have understanding. The first requires memory and the second philosophy.”