Links between phenomena in terms of type of functional dependence

Abstract

If we are to discuss the cost-benefit ratio for the functional approach and its graphical translation, we should not limit ourselves to one particular physical situation. Besides the elegance of the solutions it offers, this approach has the advantage of facilitating access to a remarkable aspect of physics–without prejudice to the other sciences: there are few laws which encompass a multitude of phenomena. Of course, it’s important in teaching that the accent should be laid on such a major asset, without letting the supposed evidence cause it to lose its power. Indeed, there is an extra linking factor in that which brings together phenomena governed by functional dependencies of the same mathematical form.