Let no one ignorant of geometry come under my roof​

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Tradition has it that this phrase was engraved at the door of Plato's Academy. For presocratics, as well as Plato, all mathematical sciences are not an end in itself but only a prerequisite meant to develop the power of abstraction in human beings, that is, one's ability to go with the sensible experience of the "visible" realm all the way to the pure intelligible. That way, geometry can illuminate the existence of transcendent truths that do not depend upon what we think about them but are, for the most part, perceived and accepted subconsciously. Which should lead us into wondering whether such transcendent truths might not exist as well in other areas, such as art, ethics and matters relating to men's ultimate happiness whether we may be able to "demonstrate" them or not.

Visual language originates from geometry and presocratic understanding of numbers, as qualitative rather than quantitative entities, and as such, visual art can be a source of transcendent truths. By some other sources, Plato wrote, "Let no one who is not a geometer enter under my roof," which can also be understood as "Let no one unjust sneak in here," because geometry is equality/fairness and justice/righteousness. So the question is: What is a proper use of visual language, and if applied correctly, can this sensible experience be accepted by a reasonable being?

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Three questions:

1. Can we understand the nature of opposites through visual language? 

2. How does the distortion of ancient symbols and signs impact contemporary individuals, and does it lead to feelings of loss, confusion, and disconnection from the world? 

3. If evil is merely a distortion within a matrix of matter and meaning, how can it be opposed?

 

Links:

Muhovič, Jožef (2015): Leksikon likovne teorije : slovar likovnoteoretskih izrazov z ustreznicami iz angleške, nemške in francoske terminologije. Ljubljana : Celjska Mohorjeva družba : Društvo Mohorjeva družbaGuthrie, Kenneth Sylvan, 1871-1940. (1987): The 

 

Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy. Michigan :  Phanes Press

https://archive.org/details/guthrie-1987-the-pythagorean-sourcebook-and-library/page/201/mode/2up?q=numbers

Kandinsky, Wassily 1866 - 1944 (1946):   Concerning the Spiritual in Art. New York: Guggenheim Foundation

On the Spiritual in Art : Kandinsky, Wassily, 1866-1944 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

archive.org

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About Kiki Klimt:

Kiki Klimt sees the realms of philosophy, science, and art as intricately intertwined, each vital in deepening our understanding of the world around us. Her artistic endeavours are deeply rooted in profound ontological and philosophical questions she seeks to illuminate through a blend of ancient wisdom and contemporary scientific approach. Her works have been exhibited in galleries in New York, Berlin, Zagreb, Ljubljana