The satisfaction criterion

  The satisfaction solution bounds the understanding process by virtue of it existing within the larger behavior of reading. Understanding is successful as soon as the quality of explanation or prediction provided is high enough to allow the reading process to continue. As an example, consider the world of Star Trek. The warp drive is an example of a concept which must be understood to comprehend the stories. But, if a particular story has the warp drive functioning normally, then the reader can be satisfied by simply understanding that it provides a way to get from point A to point B very quickly. On the other hand, if a story involves the breakdown of the antimatter in the warp core, a reader has to reach a higher level of understanding with respect to the warp drive, or the comprehension of the story will be impaired.