1 April 2025

Cooking Concepts

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism



Let’s start with the first three fundamental ingredients: 

  • Existence 
  • Identity 
  • Consciousness 

Unpack each one, give it a rinse, then lay them out together on the metaphysical cutting board.


Now we must decide on what type of dish to create in order to bring out the full flavours. Certainly not a lazy mix of all three, that would make them indistinguishable from each other. Not three completely separate courses, because it’s the combination and contrasts which give them each their appeal. 

Anyway, our task in the kitchen is to represent them (not recreate them), so we need a bowl (a containing frame on a blank page). I prefer a round bowl so that baking is as even as possible.

Some sort of axiom pie seems apt, for with a pie there’s a definite outside and inside. We’re baking it from the “Objectivist Cookbook” so we know that Consciousness should be the filling (otherwise we would serve up the primacy of Consciousness — a sickly fare). 
But what should form the pie’s outer crust? 

What about a crust made in two equal halves of those two ‘external ingredients’, so all three ingredients can be in contact with each other; thus Consciousness would be half within Existence, half within Identity
I don’t think so because Existence and Identity would seem too separated.

What about Existence as the whole outer crust, with Identity as the ‘between layer’ (inner crust), both containing Consciousness
It’s more apt as Existence and Identity are corollaries, two sides of the same coin, while Identity (via identification) is a bridge that Consciousness needs to grasp the reality of Existence.



We'll see what comes out of the oven next month

.
.
.

















1 March 2025

Simmering…

I’m still not sure whether a visual representation of the structure of Objectivism is feasible or would inevitably be over-rationalistic. After all how can such profound concepts like Existence, Identity and Consciousness be conveyed by a mere doodle on a page? 

On the other hand, even if it ultimately falls short, some visuals are more apt at representing these metaphysical axioms than others. This series of blogposts have demonstrated a few different ways in which the task can be attempted — some more successfully than others, yet none being fully satisfactory so far. 


I still think I can get closer. This project is simmering away, I hope to be able to bring it nearer the to boil next month

.
.
.


















1 February 2025

Convoluted Convergence

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism


Moving on from overlapping tori, here are overlapping spiral shells (a cut-away). It’s so convoluted a form that it requires at least two images from different perspectives to tell what’s going on, but even then it’s a tricky shape to envisage. 


Visualising the structure of Objectivism


Back to the drawing-board I think! 



More thoughts next month

.
.
.












1 January 2025

Golden Horn Torus

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism


A 3D model of the three metaphysical axioms: two overlapping ‘golden ratio’ horn tori (one black, one white) within a (grey) container sphere (cross section). 




The intention is to match the 3D model to the schematic of the three axiom (November's blog).    



 

But is this visual structure apt? More thoughts next month

.
.
.






1 December 2024

Horn Torus

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism

An animated 3D version isn’t quite there yet, still far off on the horizon. However, it would be somewhat based upon the above standard horn torus (albeit with ‘golden ratio’ proportions).

Something more ‘golden’ next month…

.
.
.









1 November 2024

Tortuous Tori

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism



Moving on from last month’s ‘back to basics’, I’m currently thinking about a torus (with zero radius hole) which duplicates when it deforms. The resulting semi-overlapping tori pair expand and contract in a similar way yet at opposite locations, creating interesting spaces in-between.

The above image is a cross-section: a grey containing sphere, one black and one white torus (both sliced-through vertically, like a doughnut halved upon a plate). These tori are thick at one place, thin at another — hence the cross-sectioned big and little circles.

The labels for the three metaphysical axioms have been tentatively added, although I don’t think the aptness of these can’t be fully assessed until demonstrated in an animated 3D version — something on the horizon for next month

.
.
.



















1 October 2024

Back To Basics

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism



Aiming at the simplest, most essential graphic representation of the three metaphysical axioms has resulted in an animation which I'm happier with. 

Existence as flat grey to gradients of grey, contrasted with Identity as black/white differentiation, works. 
Consciousness emerging from Identity as an active process, then turning over (from 2D into 3D) so that it can be seen ‘inside-out’ seems promising.

I'm concerned about the obvious use of the yin-yang shape and its association with mysticism, however I couldn't come up with a better form. 


 

There is certainly room for improvement and development, more next month

.
.
.










1 September 2024

Critique of Current Model

It is not a satisfactory model. 

It is confusing rather than clear. 
It relies too heavily upon animation.
Indeed it doesn't work as a physical object or mechanism — there is a complete lack of natural cause and effect.
Unless stated, it is far from obvious that shapes represent metaphysical axioms.

 
Specific points to address: 

  • The only vaguely apt upshot are the two ‘golden’ black & white spheres within the spiral, within the (half) container sphere of greyness (or grey-noise). However, even that set of objects is an overblown way of conveying Identity. All that's needed is a zoom-in to the grey-noise and show a black sphere surrounded by white or white sphere surrounded by black. Furthermore, Identity doesn't grow out of greyness (a grey sphere), it just is, like Existence
  • The Consciousness sphere is unconvincing, not radical enough and seems to emerge magically, without causation. 
  • Consciousness's split, echoing Identity's split, has more sense than the former, yet the process should be more immediate and no account is given of the context of a moving body (let alone the Free Energy Principle). 
  • The emergence of Entity is lazy. It ought to combine Identity with Consciousness in a more convincing way. 



What can be salvaged, ameliorated is scheduled for next month

.
.
.

1 August 2024

Metaphysical Axioms Animated


Visualising the structure of Objectivism


This is an animated version of last month's key stages in the relationship between the three metaphysical axioms of Existence, Identity and Consciousness


A fourth metaphysical axiom, Entity, emerges at the end which effectively begins the cycle again. 




Much called for clarity on this is earmarked for next month

.
.
.






















1 July 2024

Inversion Of The Sphere Of Consciousness

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism

A sphere of Consciousness may be useful after all. It may evolve within the paradigm of Identity, growing from next to nothing… 


Visualising the structure of Objectivism

As an informational sphere it flips its surrounds into contrasts where it is able to. 
Once done, it tries to verify that the outside state stays the same, it expects it to stay the same… 


Visualising the structure of Objectivism

(new small white inner circle as prediction; new larger (black) inner circle as prediction error)

Visualising the structure of Objectivism

If not (a prediction error) it inverts its contents  — hiding its bounds in so doing.


Visualising the structure of Objectivism

Above, without the ‘process’ spirals. The upper pair of nested spheres (the prior) would fade-out leaving just the three metaphysical axioms: Existence (grey), Identity (black), Consciousness (the white prediction error forming ‘current experience’ within Identity). 









An animation of this is on the cards for next month

.
.
.

1 June 2024

Spiral Comes Between The Dynamic Duo

 
Visualising the structure of Objectivism

Following on from using two spheres to represent (the processes of) Identity formation and another two spheres to convey the process of Consciousness, the above ‘storyboard’ animation hints at a spherical duo which might also generate or hew-out a spiral.

Stay tuned for next month's exciting episode

.
.
.


1 May 2024

Dynamic Duo?

I wonder if it might be more appropriate to represent certain concepts with two circles/spheres rather than one?  






Visualising the structure of Objectivism

Existence is just one thing — everything. 






Visualising the structure of Objectivism

Yet a dynamic duo of using two circles/spheres could help to convey the idea that Identity involves difference. 






Visualising the structure of Objectivism

Furthermore, another pair assists in revealing Consciousness as being a process between prediction and prediction-error.  








More adventures with the ‘dynamic duo’ idea next month

.
.
.

















1 April 2024

Elevating The Primacy of Existence

 

Visualising the structure of Objectivism



I think the above animation for the structure of Objectivism is an improvement on last month's because it firmly re-establishes “the primacy of existence” — indeed, the primacy of metaphysics at each stage. 

  • Metaphysics is always the containing sphere.
  • Epistemology is here always shown as the darker, larger sphere.
  • Axiology (Ethics/Politics/Æsthetics) is here always shown as the brighter, smaller sphere.


It is just a bare-bones, 2-D animation. I haven't abandoned the reciprocal nature of each sphere's growth/shrinkage, nor the possibility of using loxodromic spirals on a 3-D model — I've kept the new arrangement as simple and as essential as possible for now. 


There are nine sets of conceptual trichotomies, passing through nine stages/levels.

For easy reference, here is a replicate of the tables (from February's blogpost): 



Metaphysics 
Metaphysical 
Angle
Epistemological 
Angle
Axiological
Angle

1

Axioms





1

Existence  

exists.

2

Consciousness 

is the process of identifying that which exists.

3

Identity 

is what defines an existent

(the difference 

that makes a difference).

2

Correlates





4

Entities 

exist as identifiable similarities.

5

Action 

is how entities behave together as processes in accordance with their attributes. 

6

Causality

is the law of identity applied to the action of entities.

3

Inference





7

Volition Inserts Self 

as a result of the choice to focus/evade (autopoiesis).

8

Validity of the Senses

in that they are causal evidence of a difference making a difference.

9

Objective Reality

as absolute 

(primacy of existence).


Epistemology 
Metaphysical 
Angle
Epistemological 
Angle
Axiological
Angle

4

Integrals





10

Sensation 

as undifferentiated awareness of objective reality.

11

Perception 

as groups of sensations becoming causally identified as entities in the present.

12

Conception

as the volitional categorisation of percepts into particular relationships.

5

Formation




13

Mind-Body Integration

harmonises consciousness with existence.

14

Differentiation 

& Integration

of percepts into concepts.

15

Man-Made from Metaphysical 

conveys that choice-contingent concepts are hewn from given percepts.

6

Integration





16

Cognitive Objectivity

when concepts are aligned with reality.

17

Logic 

as method of developing knowledge through non‐contradictory identification.

18

Rationality 

as man’s only true means 

of knowledge.


Axiology 
Metaphysical 
Angle
Epistemological 
Angle
Axiological
Angle

7

Ethics





19

Reason 

as man’s means of survival.

20

One’s Own Life 

as the ultimate measure of value 

(reason, purpose, 

self-esteem).

21

Virtue of Selfishness

with man as an end in himself

(pursuing rational 

self-interest).

8

Politics





22

Happiness 

as the aspired condition 

of man 

(via rational self-interest). 

23

Individual Rights

(freedom from coercion) entails enforcement 

by governmental agency.

24

Capitalism 

as the only moral system

(in which happiness may be fully realised).

9

Æsthetics





25

Art

 as the concretisation

of metaphysical ideas.

26

Romanticism 

as the supreme conceptual school of art.

27

Æsthetics 

Are Objective

when evaluated within the appropriate, holistic context.





More meat on the bones perhaps next month

.
.
.