
Heaven's Fractal Net
Retrieving Lost Visions in the Humanities
William J. Jackson(Author)
Indiana University Press
Published on 26. March 2004
Book
Hardback
328 pages
978-0-253-34279-9 (ISBN)
Description
'Fractal' is a term coined by mathematician Benoit Mandelbrot to denote the geometry of nature, which traces inherent order in chaotic shapes and processes. Fractal concepts are part of our emerging vocabulary and can be useful in identifying patterns of human behavior, culture, and history, while enhancing our understanding of the nature of consciousness. According to William J. Jackson, the more one studies fractals, the more apparent their connections to the humanities become. In the recursive patterns of religious music, in temple architecture in India, in cathedral structures in Europe and America, in the imagery of religious literature depicting infinity and abundance, and in poetic descriptions of the nature of consciousness, fractal-like configurations are pervasive.Recognition of this structure, which is also found in social organizations and ritual symbolism, requires only that one develop 'an eye for fractals' by studying the work of researchers and observing nature. One then begins to see that the separation of humanities and science is convenient oversimplification, not an ultimate fact. The book includes a DVD of animated fractals. William J.Jackson, Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, is author of "Tyagaraja, Life and Lyrics", and "Songs of Three Great South Indian Saints".
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Bloomington, IN
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
55 b&w photos, 32 color photos, 1 index
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Weight
935 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-253-34279-9 (9780253342799)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Content
Introduction: Little Alps and Big Alps, Again and Again; Strand One: The Weave of the Net; Strand Two: Shipshape Earth and Other Fractal Holding Patterns; Strand Three: Like Father, Like Son; Strand Four: Creatures of Creativity, Creativity of Creatures; Strand Five: Atom Snowflow Kingdom Earth: Fractals in Literature; Strand Six: Elephant Carved in Ivory: Nature/Culture Fractal Wholeness; Strand Seven: Envoy: Child of Oneness; Conclusion