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Work #1743

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Ramon Llull
1305–1308 · Latin (with Catalan versions)
Philosophical treatise with mechanical combinatorial diagrams (rotating concentric discs) · Medieval logic / combinatorial philosophy / Franciscan missionary theology

A general art by which all questions can be resolved — the first attempt at a universal logical calculus

Attribute Fingerprint

Rows where works disagree are highlighted in gold. The full ontology grid is shown.

Attribute Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)
Time · Extent Both
Time · Ontological Status Substantival
Time · Grain Continuous
Time · Freedom Non-Deterministic
Time · Traversability Linear
Time · Dimensionality One
Time · Direction Uni-directional
Space · Extent Finite
Space · Ontological Status Substantival
Space · Curvature not engaged
Space · Dimensionality Three
Space · Locality Local
Matter · Extent Finite
Matter · Ontological Status Substantival
Matter · Conservation Conserved
Matter · Dimensionality Three
Matter · Locality Local
Observer · Time Instance Single
Observer · Space Instance Single
Observer · Knowledge Extent Total
Observer · Knowledge Retainment Total
Observer · Physicality Embodied
Observer · Agency Active
Observer · Number Plural
Observer · Metaphysical Agency Personal
Observer · Moral Authority Reason
Observer · Theological Method
Energy · Extent Finite
Energy · Ontological Status Substantival
Energy · Conservation Conserved
Energy · Dispersibility Irreversible
Information · Ontological Status Substantival
Information · Cosmic Conservation Conserved
Information · Personal Conservation Conserved
Information · Granularity Discrete

Dimension-by-Dimension Evidence

What each work's passages reveal about its stance on each of the six dimensions.

Time

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Both eternal (divine attributes) and temporal. The Art's combinatorial truths are timelessly valid.

Space

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Finite, local, three-dimensional. Conventional medieval cosmology.

Matter

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Substantival, conserved, local. The four elements participate in the combinatorial scheme.

Observer

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Active, embodied rational agent who uses the Art as a mechanical logical instrument.

Energy

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Finite, substantival. No distinctive energy doctrine.

Information

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

Discrete, conserved: knowledge is a finite combinatorial space of fundamental concepts.

Internal Tensions

Where each work's argument pulls against itself.

Ars Magna (Ars Generalis Ultima)

The Ars claims to demonstrate truths of faith by necessary reasons — a claim contested by Thomists and later condemned by some authorities. The mechanical combinatorial method appears to reduce theology to logic, yet Llull claimed mystical inspiration for the system.