Paradoxes of communicating fundamental insight through metaphor

Cognitive Implications in 3D of Triadic Symbols Valued in 2D (Part #7)

Metaphor: In making the case above for being "walking wave functions" in the light of quantum consciousness, Alexander Wendt explicitly indicates his understanding of its reality:

I intend the argument not as an analogy or metaphor, but as a realist claim about what people really are. Scholars have long pointed to a number of strong analogies between human and quantum processes: between free will and wave function collapse, the holism of meaning and non-locality, observer effects in psychological experiments and quantum measurement, and even double-entry accounting and quantum information. These and other analogies are sufficiently suggestive that one might apply quantum thinking to social life simply on that basis. While one could read this book entirely in that way, as an interesting analogy, my personal belief is that human beings really are quantum systems. (p. 16)

Given the manner in which he explicitly and frutifully questions the existence of nation states, and proposes a new understanding of human identity, it is appropriate to ask what degree of "existence" should be attributed to the quantum model he articulates. Paradoxically, for example, one reality of that articulation is that it exists as intellectually property -- in this case copyrighted by the author rather than by the publisher (as is so often the case).

Although Wendt has no need to address this particular paradox or the question of the existence of those who engender and appreciate models -- notably physicists -- he calls into question the reality of analogies and metaphors, whilst asserting his personal belief in his own perspective. To what extent can a physicist be understood to exist in the light of a quantum perspective? Provocatively it might be suggested that Wendt is as much as "writing wave function" as a walking one -- with the obligation of quantum physicists to recognize that they are "experimental wave functions".

Relevant to that question is the role of analogy and metaphor as explored by Douglas Hofstadter and Emmanuel Sander (Surfaces and Essences: analogy as the fuel and fire of thinking, 2013), as a further development of Hofstadter's earlier work (Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies: computer models of the fundamental mechanisms of thought, 1995) and an extension of his seminal work on music and self-reference (Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid, 1979). The importance of metaphor is specifically highlighted with respect to the creativity of Albert Einstein.

Whilst such creative thinking is much to be appreciated, in historical terms any such model may only herald a potential paradigm shift of great significance -- but one which history will recognize as susceptible to replacement by even more radical insights. There is a sense in which such models are temporary surrogates for intuited insights embodied in symbolic forms such as the triskelion, whose significance is somehow sustained over millennia in contrast to those of any model.

Sustainability: In contrast to the enduring use of such centro-symmetric symbols, it is intriguing to note global efforts to frame sustainability through a simple asystemic checklist of Sustainable Development Goals. These can however be experimentally reordered as a 4x4 matrix of goals, evoking the integrity associated with so-called magic squares (Refining the Value of Sustainable Development Goals: in quest of the systemic coherence of global attractors, 2017; Interplay of Sustainable Development Goals through Rubik Cube Variations: engaging otherwise with what people find meaningful, 2017).

Use of a 4x4 matrix for sustainability, whether magical or not, bears a curious resemblance to the many representations of the Standard Model of Elementary Particles as basically a 4x4 matrix. It is therefore appropriate to note the exercise by Thomas DeMichele to reconfigure that pattern of quantum entities into centro-symmetric form, specifically for the benefit of "non-experts" (The Standard Model (of Particle Physics) Explained, Fact/Myth, 3 March 2016). Insights into ordering fundamental particles have however been explored through use of the Freudenthal magic square (M. S. El Naschie, Freudental magic square and its dimensional implication for ... 137 and high energy physics, Chaos, Solitons and Fractals, 36, 2008, 3, pp. 546-549). Such preoccupations are clearly far from the checklists through which efforts to order and communicate global strategy are made -- presumably because these are held to be inherently more readily comprehensible.

Self-reference and self-reflection? Observation plays a critical role in quantum phenomena. The quantum perspective endeavours to address the problematic implications of wave function collapse as a consequence of "observation" during the process of measurement. As noted by Wendt:

In most interpretations of quantum theory particles cannot be said to exist prior to measurement, and in preparing quantum systems for observation an entanglement is created with the observer that affects what is eventually seen. That does not mean that the observer literally creates reality, but it does mean that she participates in what is actually observed, and as such observation cannot even in principle approximate the classical ideal of [subject-object] separation (p. 36)

It would however appear that, as observers, physicists are inherently averse to exploring the implications of any form of "self-reference" in the quest for a Theory of Everything. This contrasts with concerns articulated from a cybernetic perspective in considering means of control of complex systems, and potentially those of significance to global governance (Maurice Yolles, Knowledge Cybernetics: a new metaphor for social collectives, Journal of Organisational Transformation and Social Change, 3, 2006, 1). From that perspective, feedback processes of first, second, third and possibly higher order are envisaged, engaging any observer to an ever higher degree, as discussed with respect to Cybernetics of cybernetics: complex adaptive systems? (Consciously Self-reflexive Global Initiatives, 2007).

Such ever more intimate engagement is clearly a feature valued in the implications of fundamental symbols and the meditative reflection they evoke, and for which they are a focus. Whilst such higher order reflection may be implicit in some symbols, the structure of the triskelion potentially offers an indication of such nested levels through its three-fold form -- appropriately labyrinthine, given the challenge to comprehension. It is even tempting to recognize that the number of spiralling circles is of a similar order to the number of degrees of self-reference which can be variously envisaged. The three-colour requirement for a quark then suggests the need for the complementary "cognitive labyrinths" as distinguished by the three colours used in some of the images above.

Dysfunctional avoidance of paradox: Issues of self-reference lend themselves to exploration in terms of the challenge of self-signification as argued from a phenomenological perspective by Steven M. Rosen (How Can We Signify Being? Semiotics and Self-signification, Cosmos and History: the journal of natural and social philosophy, 10, 2014, 2). He sees this objective as having been tacitly subverted by the semiotic structure of conventional phenomenological writing. In summary:

First it is demonstrated that the three components of the sign -- sign-vehicle, object, and interpretant (C. S. Peirce) -- bear an external relationship to each other when treated conventionally. This is linked to the abstractness of alphabetic language, which objectifies nature and splits subject and object. It is the subject-object divide that phenomenology must surmount if it is to signify Being. To this end, we go beyond alphabetic convention and explore the use of iconic signs. Following the lead of Merleau-Ponty, the iconic expression of Being is seen as entailing paradox, and we are directed to the fields of visual geometry and topology, where we work with three paradoxical figures: the Necker cube, Moebius strip, and Klein bottle. While the Necker cube and Moebius prove to have their limitations in fully signifying Being, the Klein bottle, possessing an added dimension (made palpable via a stereogram), can embody Being more intimately, provided that it is approached in a radically non-classical way.

Occlusion of portions of the triskelion: Whether in 2D or 3D, the triskelion images offer the possibility of indicating different "pathologies" of the sustainability represented by the pattern as a whole. With respect to requisite self-reflexivity, the manner and degree of occlusion are then indicative of reduced cognitive functionality. Examples of this approach are presented below.

Cognitive constraints on self-relfexivity? Use of triskelion spirals as indications of pathologies of sustainability

Being a waveform? If indeed it is possible to imagine oneself as a "walking wave function", as so extensively argued by Wendt, there is a case for exploring how this might be experienced in contrast to how he so usefully describes it -- especially given the limitations of description within that understanding.

Any 2D pattern serving as a template for identity in the moment could then also be explored in the light of understanding of a so-called "standing wave", rather than as a "walking wave". Both frames are consistent with the development by Francisco Varela of the Buddhist understanding of "laying down a path in walking" (Laying Down a Path in Walking: essays on enactive cognition, 1997).

Such a perspective acquires greater credibility with respect to personal identity, specifically in relation to aging and the continuing renewal of biological tissue. Identity is then a matter of convention to a much higher degree than one would prefer to think -- notably reinforced by legal definitions, as with the existence of Wendt's model as intellectual property. In such a context, even in the case of DNA, it remains a matter of debate as to what carries and holds the pattern of any sense of existence in a continuing manner.

Related insights are explored in the following:

Especially intriguing are the implications for comprehension, with the possibility of the emergence of homo undulans in evolution beyond homo sapiens (Emergence of Homo undulans -- through a "grokking" dynamic?, 2013; Clues to Comprehension through Wave Language, 2013). Homo undulans features as the penultimate chapter of the very detailed study by Daniel Dervin (Creativity and Culture: a psychoanalytic study of the creative process in the arts, sciences, and culture, 1990).

Of relevance to global crisis, of further interest is how turbulence can be imaginatively embodied, as separately argued (Quantum Wampum Essential to Navigating Ragnarok: thrival in crisis through embodying turbulent flow, 2014). In that sense, the triskelion merits exploration as a form of "wampum", echoing the significance associated with widespread use of circlets of beads (Designing Cultural Rosaries and Meaning Malas to Sustain Associations within the Pattern that Connects, 2000).

At the time of writing, various references are made to the probability of societal collapse, most recently highlighted from a NATO perspective (Nato chief: world is at its most dangerous point in a generation, The Guardian, 8 September 2017). Such a probability has been framed otherwise by Jared Diamond (Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed, 2005). Of relevance is then how collapse might be more creatively understood, given the insights offered by wave function collapse (Metaphors To Die By Correspondences between a collapsing civilization, culture or group, and a dying person, 2013).

Thanks are due to Cadell Last for enabling the concluding sections,
but for which he should not be held responsible

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