Each Defined by Other Two
Elements, relationships and proximities are woven together. In a sense, each is defined by the other two, and all three relate to situations. Taking each in turn: Elements are defined by their relationships in the proximity of a situation. Relationships are any kind of association or connection between elements in the proximity of a situation. The proximity consists of elements related or potentially related to a situation, in physical, mental and other ways.
Each Can Be Each Other
An odd and useful characteristic of elements, relationships and proximities is that they can each be each other. We might call it a kind of equivalence. You can consider a proximity to be an element and also a relationship. You can consider an element to be a proximity and also a relationship. You can consider a relationship to be a proximity and also an element. Perhaps the oddest one is a relationship being a proximity. An example of this equivalence property being useful is the value of substituting one for another, allowing you to group/ungroup (a ProxPattern) and also perhaps consider different points of view (ProxSets).
Overlap
A proximity may overlap other proximities for other situations.
Containing and Contained
A proximity may contain proximities, and itself be contained within other proximities.
Proximity Relates to Situation
Proximities are to varying degrees flexible and chosen. So, a situation may change as a proximity changes, and vice versa.
Relationships and Proximity
We can consider how relationships and proximities co-create each other (since we can’t know which comes first). Relationships make proximity possible. A proximity is created by one or more relationships. A proximity does not exist without one or more relationships. Proximity creates the conditions for relationships.
ProxThink 