This is a graph of Plato's Divided Line that conceptualizes the integral development of knowledge.The vertical axis distributes knowledge between an internal basis and external basis.
The horizontal axis distributes knowledge between a subjective orientation and an objective orientation.
The bottom left quadrant shows what Plato named 'Eikasia', which is the kind of knowledge that is neither objective nor external. We make things up, daydream and imagine stuff.
The upper left quadrant shows what Plato named 'Pistis', which has an external basis, but is of a subjective orientation. We assert the world as we perceive it and make sense of things in order to have a normal life. The reality of this knowledge is the socio-cultural convention of meeting our needs.
The upper right quadrant shows what Plato named 'Daianoia', which has an external basis and an objective orientation. This is the knowledge that is developed by 'natural philosophy' and science. it uses the mind in accordance with certain principles and logic. It is based on measurable facts.
The lower right quadrant shows what Plato named 'Noesis' which is internal and objective. This knowledge can function independently of the senses and therefore lays the fundamental claim to truth and transcendence.
Following from the center outward we can see the arrows pointing out a certain field or activity of the mind as it moves from one quadrant to the other in its development that is represented by the big circular arrow.
From just making things up as fantasy and imagination in eikasia we move via rationalization into the reality that meets our needs which is regulated by 'common sense' as pistis.
Then we move via science into the objective understanding of things. For example: pistis tells us that the sun rises over the horizon in the morning, whereas dianoia tells us that the earth actually rotates around its axis, and therefore some parts of it are exposed to the sun and others hidden from it.
Then we move via metaphysics into noesis or an absolute understanding of things, the unity and enlightenment of the mind that is expressed as concentration-meditation-contemplation. Metaphysics is the understanding of the First Principle, arche and ousia and poses the fundamental questions of life, which can only be comprehended as wisdom.
Between noesis and eikasia we see the ancient tradition of mysticism.
We need to develop and integrate all four quadrants and directions to have a balanced approach to life. Imagination can become very powerful on the basis of science and absolute knowledge has to be grounded in common sense reality.
