The Hermetic Principle "As above, so below; as below so above": The Interconnected Nature of Existence

Introduction

The concept of interconnectedness has been a recurring theme in philosophy, with numerous thinkers across different cultures engaging with this fundamental idea. This text explores the perspectives of notable philosophers and theologians who embraced interconnectedness, ranging from Heraclitus and Parmenides to Plotinus, Laozi, and Spinoza. It also delves into more contemporary ideas of interconnectedness in the works of Marx and Engels and Roman Jakobson. Finally, it considers the Hermetic Principle of Correspondence and its implications for understanding the interconnected nature of existence. Through this exploration, we'll illuminate how Aristotle, a prominent figure in Western philosophy, might have been influenced by these interconnected ideas.

Ancient Philosophers on Interconnectedness

Ancient philosophy was replete with thinkers who contemplated the idea of interconnectedness:

1. Heraclitus: Heraclitus's famous doctrine that "you cannot step into the same river twice" underscores the ever-changing nature of reality. He believed that everything is in a state of flux, highlighting the interconnectedness of all things through constant transformation.
2. Parmenides: In contrast to Heraclitus, Parmenides argued for the unity and immutability of reality, asserting that change and multiplicity are mere illusions. Nevertheless, his ideas engaged with the concept of interconnectedness by questioning the nature of change.
3. Plotinus: The Neoplatonist philosopher Plotinus introduced a hierarchical system of emanations leading back to the One, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence. He posited that all things emanate from a singular source, reflecting an intricate web of interdependence.
4. Laozi: The ancient Chinese philosopher who founded Taoism believed in the interconnectedness of all things through the Tao, or the Way. The Taoist philosophy emphasizes the balance and harmony of existence through interconnected principles.
5. Spinoza: Baruch Spinoza proposed a pantheistic worldview in which God and the universe are one and the same. This notion underscores the interconnectedness of all existence within a single divine reality. (Adamson, 2014),  (Meyer and Watters, 1870)

Interconnectedness in Marx and Engels' Philosophy

Marx and Engels expanded upon the idea of interconnectedness through their discussions on historical materialism and dialectical materialism. These ideas, found in works such as "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital," examined the interplay of economic and social forces, highlighting their interconnected nature. Marx and Engels emphasized how these forces influence one another, illustrating a web of interdependence in society. (Bottomore et al., 1991).

Linguistic Interconnectedness and Isomorphism

Roman Jakobson's concept of isomorphism in linguistics emphasizes structural similarities and correspondences between different components of a linguistic system and between different linguistic systems. This principle demonstrates how linguistic elements and their functions are interconnected, showing that language itself reflects a complex web of relationships.

Isomorphism may unite different states of one language or two states (whether simultaneous or temporally distant) of two different languages, whether contiguous or remote and whether cognate or not. (Jakobson, 1990)

Cultural Exchange and Influence: Greece and Egypt

Plato's mention of Solon bringing the myth of Atlantis from Egypt in the dialogue "Timaeus" underscores the cultural communication and influence between Greece and Egypt.

…the Isle of Atlantis likewise sank below the sea and disappeared. What I’ve just related, Socrates, is a concise version of old Critias’ story, [e] as Solon originally reported it. (Cooper, 1997)

This exchange of knowledge and ideas played a central role in the development of Greek philosophy and culture. Egypt's advanced knowledge in various fields, including mathematics, astronomy, and spirituality, may have indirectly influenced Greek thought.

Aristotle's Awareness of Interconnectedness

Aristotle, closely associated with Plato for many years, was likely aware of the interconnectedness ideas present in his teacher's work. Plato, in various dialogues such as "The Sophist," explored the interconnectedness of the world. Aristotle, while not explicitly acknowledging Egyptian wisdom, incorporated discussions on interconnectedness and the study of the natural world in his own works. His holistic approach to integrating various sciences suggests that he might have drawn upon these interconnected ideas. (Adamson, 2014).

Conclusion

Throughout the history of philosophy, thinkers from diverse traditions have recognized and explored the principle of interconnectedness. From ancient philosophers like Heraclitus and Parmenides to contemporary scholars like Marx, Engels, and Jakobson, these ideas have been central to understanding the complexity of existence. The Hermetic Principle of Correspondence found in The Kybalion“As above, so below; as below so above” further emphasizes this interconnectedness on a cosmic scale. (Drei Eingeweihte and Atkinson, 2011)

Considering the cultural exchange between Greece and Egypt, it is likely that Aristotle, through his association with Plato and his comprehensive approach to different sciences, was exposed to these interconnected ideas, even if indirectly. In essence, the principle of interconnectedness serves as a core idea linking the diverse elements of philosophical thought, uniting thinkers across time and space in their quest to understand the world we live in.

Note: This text is supplement(ed) by the blog posts Derrida's Critique of Aristotle's Theory of the Sign in "Of Grammatology" and The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts: Aristotle's Holistic Philosophy

 We're thrilled to have you reading our blogs! We'd love to hear your thoughts, questions, or any cool insights you might have about the fascinating world where linguistics and philosophy collide. Don't be shy – drop us a line and let's have a chat! Together, we'll dive into the exciting mysteries of linguistics and philosophy and build a friendly and engaging community of thinkers. 😊     Rodie

 Riddle Me This:

1. Who is known for the doctrine that "you cannot step into the same river twice," emphasizing the ever-changing nature of reality? a. Parmenides b. Plotinus c. Heraclitus
2. What philosophical system introduced a hierarchical system of emanations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all existence? a. Neoplatonism b. Taoism c. Marxism
3. Roman Jakobson's concept of isomorphism in linguistics emphasizes structural similarities and correspondences between different components of which field? a. Mathematics b. Linguistics c. Philosophy

Answers:

1. c. Heraclitus
2. a. Neoplatonism
3. b. Linguistics

Bibliography:

1.      Peter Adamson, Classical Philosophy: A History of Philosophy without Any Gaps, Volume 1 (Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2014).

2.      Peter Adamson, Classical Philosophy: A History of Philosophy without Any Gaps, Volume 2 (Great Clarendon Street, Oxford, OX2 6DP, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2014).

3.      John M. Cooper, ed., Plato: Complete Works (Indianapolis, Indiana: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc., 1997).

4.      Drei Eingeweihte and William Walker Atkinson, Kybalion - Die 7 Hermetischen Gesetze: Das Original (Broschiert, 19. November 2011).

5.      Roman Jakobson, On Language, edited by Linda R. Waugh and Monique Monville-Burston (Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press, 1990).

6.      Meyer, Herman H. B., and Thomas Watters. Lao-Tzu: A Study in Chinese Philosophy. Reprint of the original edition of 1870. Hansebooks.

7.      Bottomore, Tom, Laurence Harris, V. G. Kiernan, and Ralph Miliband, eds. A Dictionary of Marxist Thought. 2nd ed. Wiley Blackwell.