Conclusion

Dynamic Exploration of Value Configurations: Interrelating traditional cultural symbols through animation (Part #10)

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Whilst the notions conventionally attached to the hexagrams in the animation have been used as a means of illustrating the potential of animations to interrelate a set of interconnected insights, as a long-recognized coding system these could just as well be used to interrelate any other set of more or less elusive insights. This reflects the more general concern of discovering more powerful mnemonic aids (In Quest of Mnemonic Catalysts -- for comprehension of complex psychosocial dynamics, 2007). One of the merits of the simple coding system is that its structure can, and is, used to indicate trnaformational feedback loops between the conditions denoted by each hexagram as a whole. These loops are the lines between the hexagrams arranged in a circle as explained elsewhere (Patterning Transformative Change, 1983).

Of particular interest is the sense in which the fundamental physics, basic to the CERN initiative, hypothesizes a multidimensional reality radically challenging conventional notions of space and time. In this sense, as discussed in that connection, the above animation sequences need to be seen as emblematic of a more complex "timeless" cognitive reality that may indeed variously inspire faith-based governance.

It is somewhat ironic therefore that the SVG animation format, unlike other formats, has a "timeless" aspect to it in that the complete animation sequence of images is effectively "drawn" when it is first accessed. The dynamics of the animation are therefore an appearance achieved only by allowing the different phases originally so drawn to be "visible" at different times -- effectively through temporal shutters. The various phases are essentially "co-present" despite the illusion of their sequential appearance (Being the Universe -- a Metaphoric Frontier: co-existent immanence of evolutionary phases, 1999).

The key question is whether there is an elusive "geometry" of "cognitive space-time" of which fundamental symbols are indicative, despite the paradox of the conflict between belief systems which knowledge of it engenders (Evoking Authenticity through polyhedral global configuration of local paradoxes, 2003). These forms of particular knowledge may stand in relation to one another and to the geometry of the whole as in the dynamics of the resonance hybrid exemplified by the benzene molecule -- also a form of hexagram, as discussed elsewhere (Configuration of alternatives as a resonance hybrid, 2008). In this sense Gregory Bateson's much-cited "pattern that connects" may actually take a dynamic form as the process of "patterning that connects" as implied with respect to sustainable design by Jean Gardner (Understanding the Pattern that Connects: sustainability's role in architectural academe, Thresholds, 20).

This offers an interesting metaphor for understanding the relation between the various symbolic elements -- as discussed in relation to the physics explored by the Large Hadron Collider. Whereas, with respect to that initiative of physics, it is argued there that it is a "Metaphorical mirroring of extreme denial", it might be argued that the focused faith-based attachment to particular symbols constitutes another form of extreme denial -- of the elusive nature of the underlying "sacred" geometry. This is perhaps best recognized in apophatic discourse (Being What You Want: problematic kataphatic identity vs. potential of apophatic identity? 2008).

However questionable the credibility of this exploration, it should not be forgotten the extent to which extreme antipathy and violence is currently engendered by identification with particular symbols. Any effort to reframe their relationship in a context that honours that sense of identity, suggesting how other forms of identity may also be possible, therefore merits consideration as an encouragement to further exploration.

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