Patterns of the soul : an analysis of the concept of proportions and values in geometrical principles in selected works of the Ikhwan Al Safa

Abstract

This research analyses the writings of the Ikhwân as Ṣafâ in regards to the relationship between the soul and mathematics. It draws upon mostly the translation of the Rasa’il Ikhwân as Ṣafâ and relevant literatures by contemporary commentators in connection with geometry and the spiritual realm, such as Nasr, Livino, and Lawlor. This research breaks up the description between arithmetical principles and geometrical principles into quantitative and qualitative proportions. The distinction between these two principles, along with the description of the soul, has presented the similitude of characteristics in the human soul and mathematics (geometry) thus enabling the possibilities of connection between the two. As the properties of the soul and mathematics falls within abstract manner, the process of findings were made possible by presenting affinities such as the connection theory between macrocosm (the universe) and microcosm (men), and the manifestation of golden proportions within the law of nature. By identifying these links, the research found the general metaphysical sense in geometrical principles - the Intelligible Geometry as coined by Ikhwân as Ṣafâ - as the instrument of symbolic interpretation. This principle goes beyond the visual forms of geometry to connect with the metaphysical realm. It is hope that the findings of this research will allow further investigation on the possibilities of incorporating the said link into the teachings of geometry