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.
Could please tell me more about how you feel in your daily life that the true understanding fill you with existential vitality and force that is real, grounded, and completely un-afraid
ReplyDeleteYour graph of Plato’s divided line did an excellent job to clearly illustrate how we approach life and acquired knowledge in four different angles. By my understanding, the China culture seems dominated by the external and subjective orientation. We observe the nature and make sense of thing in order to have a harmony life and not care as much about science as Western culture (based on the external and objective orientation). Tell me about how Chinese culture move from pistis to noesis
ReplyDeleteOur vital, sexual nature is blocked and fragmented by socio-cultural and religious conditionings. We are usually told that it is in duality with our higher nature and virtue, because it is of a shameless animalistic nature. More often than not we learn to be ashamed and feel guilty of our instincts as part of being cultivated and civilized. Different cultures and religions do it in different ways.
ReplyDeleteThe main argument of morality in principle says this: we are not animals, and therefore have to deal with our vitality, instincts and sexuality in a conscious and regulatory way.
We have laws, moral taboos, and ethical injunctions to guide our vital nature and drives. That is the situation.
The point I made concerning this, is that this duality is not necessary, when we realize how 'understanding' and 'knowing' is the primary foundation of everything we are part of and that we do. This means that sexuality in a human being is essentially a matter of understanding and knowing and therefore innately beautiful and good.
Normally we think of sexuality and vitality as dualistically opposed to our 'intellect' and 'reasoning ability'. It is not when we realize the essential seed of noesis. Then, in the fundamental understanding of our vitality, it is a most precious asset with its own natural experiences and perceptions.
The same applies to 'sensuality', 'romance', and 'eros'. They become soiled, oppressed, perverted, and ultimately self obsessed, because they are not integrally connected to the deeper understanding of everything.
The Chinese culture has a very strong line of noesis or deep understanding: the TAO of Laotse, the I CHING, Martial Arts, Fung Shui, teh CHI, Yin/Yang.
All ancient cultures with a continuity of more than 4000 years have deep roots in one way or another in noesis and deal with common life or pistis in connection with these traditions. Fort India it is the Vedic tradition.
Plato is something of a turning point from the informal ancient tradition of noesis. Greece is the introduction to the European Culture which is not "ancient" (4000 years and more), but "old" (around 2000 years) and this European Culture has developed explicit, formal knowledge of in accordance with the guide line of Plato's Divided Line.
This explicit development of knowledge of noesis is what is shown in my graph. The reality is that noesis is the principle foundation of any culture to speak of as the understanding and re-cognition of unity as the essence of human understanding of anything at all.
In China this noesis was apprehended informally as the Harmony of nature and human nature by Laotse and Confucius. With Plato it has been explicated as a formal knowledge which lead to the apprehension of a systematic science, and an explicit logic of noesis called 'Trialectics' (developed by Oscar Ichazo).