Figurative system of human knowledge  

From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia

(Difference between revisions)
Jump to: navigation, search
Revision as of 21:42, 15 February 2010
Jahsonic (Talk | contribs)

← Previous diff		 Revision as of 12:41, 28 April 2013
Jahsonic (Talk | contribs)

Next diff →
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Template}} {{Template}}
 +[[Image:ENC SYSTEME FIGURE.jpeg|right|200px|thumb|The original "figurative system of human knowledge" tree, in French.]]
The '''"figurative system of human knowledge"''', sometimes known as '''the tree of Diderot and d'Alembert''', was a tree developed to represent the structure of [[knowledge]] itself, produced for the ''[[Encyclopédie]]'' by [[Jean le Rond d'Alembert]] and [[Denis Diderot]]. The '''"figurative system of human knowledge"''', sometimes known as '''the tree of Diderot and d'Alembert''', was a tree developed to represent the structure of [[knowledge]] itself, produced for the ''[[Encyclopédie]]'' by [[Jean le Rond d'Alembert]] and [[Denis Diderot]].
Line 5: Line 6:
The tree was a [[taxonomy]] of human knowledge, inspired by [[Francis Bacon]]'s ''[[The Advancement of Learning]]''. The three main branches of knowledge in the tree are: "Memory"/[[History]], "Reason"/[[Philosophy]], and "Imagination"/[[Poetry]]. The tree was a [[taxonomy]] of human knowledge, inspired by [[Francis Bacon]]'s ''[[The Advancement of Learning]]''. The three main branches of knowledge in the tree are: "Memory"/[[History]], "Reason"/[[Philosophy]], and "Imagination"/[[Poetry]].
-Notable is the fact that [[theology]] is ordered under 'Philosophy'. The historian [[Robert Darnton]] has argued that this categorization of [[religion]] as being subject to human reason, and not a source of knowledge in and of itself ([[revelation]]), was a significant factor in the controversy surrounding the work.+Notable is the fact that [[theology]] is ordered under 'Philosophy'. The historian [[Robert Darnton]] has argued that this categorization of [[religion]] as being subject to human reason, and not a source of knowledge in and of itself ([[revelation]]), was a significant factor in the controversy surrounding the work. Additionally notice that 'Knowledge of God' is only a few nodes away from 'Divination' and 'Black Magic'.
 + 
 +The original version, in [[French (language)|French]], can be seen in the graphic on the right. An [http://www.hti.umich.edu/d/did/tree.html image of the diagram with English translations superimposed over the French text] is available. Another example of English translation of the tree is available in literature (see the reference by Schwab). Below is a version of it rendered in [[English (language)|English]] as a bulleted outline.
== ''The Tree of Diderot and d'Alembert'' == == ''The Tree of Diderot and d'Alembert'' ==
'''"Detailed System of Human Knowledge"''' '''"Detailed System of Human Knowledge"'''
from the [[Encyclopédie]]. from the [[Encyclopédie]].
-*[[Understanding]]+* [[Understanding]]
-**[[Memory]]+:* [[Memory]].
-***[[History]]+::* [[History]].
-****[[Sacred]]+:::* [[Sacred history|Sacred]] (History of [[Prophet]]s).
-*****Ecclesiastical, proper+:::* [[History of Christianity|Ecclesiastical]].
-*****History of [[Prophecies]]+:::* [[Civilization#History|Civil]], [[Ancient history|Ancient]] and [[Modern history|Modern]].
-****[[Civil]]+::::* [[Civilization#History|Civil History]], properly said. ''(See also: [[Civil society#History|History of civil society]])''
-*****Civil History, proper+::::* [[Literary History]].
-******[[Memoirs]]+:::::* [[Memoirs]].
-******[[Antiquities]]+:::::* [[Antiquities]]. ''(See also: [[Classical antiquity]])''
-******Complete History+:::::* Complete Histories.
-*****[[Literary History]]+:::* [[Natural history|Natural]].
-****[[Natural history|Natural]]+::::* Uniformity of Nature. ''(See: [[Uniformitarianism]])''
-*****Uniformity of Nature+:::::* [[Cosmology|Celestial History]].
-******[[Cosmology|Celestial History]]+:::::* History...
-*******of [[Meteors]]+::::::* of [[Meteoroid#History|Meteors]].
-*******of the [[Earth]] and the [[Sea]]+::::::* of the [[History of the Earth|Earth]] and the [[World Ocean|Sea]] ''(See also: [[Origin of water on Earth]])''
-******History+::::::* of [[Minerals]]. ''(See also: [[Geological history of Earth]])''
-*******of [[Minerals]]+::::::* of [[Vegetable]]s. ''(See also: [[History of agriculture]])''
-*******of [[Vegetable]]s+::::::* of [[Animal]]s. ''(See also: [[Evolutionary history of life]])''
-*******of [[Animal]]s+::::::* of the [[Chemical element|Elements]]. ''(See also: [[Classical element]], [[History of alchemy]], and [[History of chemistry]])''
-*******of the [[Chemical element|Elements]]+::::* Deviations of Nature.
-*****Irregularities of Nature+:::::* [[Celestial object|Celestial Wonders]].
-******Celestial Wonders+:::::* [[Meteoroid#Frequency of large meteors|Large Meteors]]. ''(See also: [[Asteroid]]s)''
-******Unusual Meteors+:::::* Wonders of Land and Sea. ''(See: [[Wonders of the World]])''
-******Wonders of the Earth and the Sea+:::::* [[Mineral#Other properties|Monstrous Mineral]]s.
-******Monstrous Minerals+:::::* Monstrous Vegetables. ''(See: [[Largest organisms#Plants|Largest plants]], [[Poisonous plant]]s, and [[Carnivorous plant]]s)''
-******Monstrous Vegetables+:::::* Monstrous Animals. (See: ''[[Largest organisms#Animals|Largest animals]] and [[Predator]]s)''
-******Monstrous Animals+:::::* Wonders of the Elements. ''(See: [[Natural disaster]]s)''
-******Wonders of the Elements+::::* Uses of Nature (See ''[[Technology]] and [[Applied science]]s)''
-*****Uses of Nature+:::::* Arts, [[Craft]]s, Manufactures.
-******Arts, Crafts, Manufactures+::::::* Work and Uses of [[Gold]] and [[Silver]].
-*******Working and Uses of [[Gold]] and [[Silver]]+:::::::* [[Mint (coin)|Minting]].
-********[[Mint (coin)|Minter]]+:::::::* [[Goldsmith]].
-********Goldbeater+:::::::* Gold Spinning.
-********Gold Threader+:::::::* Gold Drawing.
-********Gold Roller+:::::::* [[Silversmith]]
-********[[Goldsmith|Gold]] and [[Silversmith|Silver]] [[Smith (metalwork)|Smith]]+:::::::* [[Planishing|Planisher]], etc.
-********[[Planishing|Planisher]]+::::::* Work and Uses of Precious Stones.
-********Setter, etc.+:::::::* [[Lapidary]].
-*******Working and Uses of Precious and Semiprecious Stones+:::::::* [[Diamond cutting]].
-********[[Lapidary]]+:::::::* [[Jewellery|Jeweler]], etc.
-********[[Diamond]] Cutter+::::::* Work and Uses of [[Iron]].
-********Jeweler+:::::::* Large [[Forge|Forges]].
-*******Working and Uses of [[Iron]]+:::::::* [[Locksmithing|Locksmith]].
-********Heavy [[Forge|Forging]]+:::::::* Tool Making.
-********[[Locksmithing]]+:::::::* Armorer.
-********Edge-Tool Making+:::::::* Gun Making, etc.
-********Arms Manufacture+::::::* Work and Uses of [[Glass]].
-********[[Arquebus]] (small arms) Manufacture+:::::::* [[Glass|Glassmaking]].
-*******Working and Uses of [[Glass]]+:::::::* [[Plate-Glass|Plate-Glassmaking]].
-********Glassmaking+:::::::* [[Mirror#Manufacture|Mirror Making]].
-********[[Plate-Glass]]+:::::::* [[Optician]].
-********[[Mirror]]-Worker+:::::::* [[Glazier]], etc.
-********Optical Manufacturer+::::::* Work and Uses of Skin.
-********[[Glazier]], etc.+:::::::* [[Tanner (occupation)|Tanner]].
-*******Working and Uses of Skin+:::::::* [[Chamois leather|Chamois Maker]].
-********[[Tanning|Tanner]]+:::::::* Leather Merchant.
-********[[Chamois]] [[Leather]] Dresser+:::::::* [[Glove]] Making, etc.
-********[[skinner (profession)|Skinner]]+::::::* Work and Uses of [[Stonemasonry|Stone]], [[Plaster#Uses|Plaster]], [[Slate#Uses|Slate]], etc.
-********Glover, etc.+:::::::* Practical [[Architecture]].
-*******Working and Uses of Stone, Plaster, Slate, etc.+:::::::* Practical [[Sculpture]].
-********Practical [[Architecture]]+:::::::* [[Masonry|Mason]].
-********Practical [[Sculpture]]+:::::::* [[Tiler]], etc.
-********[[stonemason|Mason]]+::::::* Work and Uses of [[Silk#Uses|Silk]].
-********Roofer, etc.+:::::::* Spinning.
-*******Working and Uses of [[Silk]]+:::::::* Milling.
-********Extraction+:::::::* Work like.
-********Throwing+:::::::* [[Velvet]].
-********Products, such as+:::::::* Brocaded Fabrics, etc.
-********[[Velvet]]+::::::* Work and Uses of [[Wool]].
-********Brocaded Frabics, etc.+:::::::* Cloth-Making.
-*******Working and Uses of [[Wool]]+:::::::* Bonnet-Making, etc.
-********Drapery+::::::* Working and Uses, etc.
-********Hosiery,+:* [[Reason]]
-********etc.+::* [[Philosophy]]
-*******Working and Uses, etc.+:::* General [[Metaphysics]], or [[Ontology]], or Science of Being in General, of Possibility, of [[Existence]], of Duration, etc.
-********etc.+:::* Science of [[God]].
-**[[Reason]]+::::* [[Natural Theology]].
-***[[Philosophy]]+::::* Revealed [[Theology]].
-****General [[Metaphysics]], or [[Ontology]], or Science of Being in General, of Possibility, of [[Existence]], of Duration, etc.+::::* Science of Good and Evil Spirits.
-****Knowledge of [[God]]+:::::* [[Divination]].
-*****[[Natural Theology]]+:::::* [[Black Magic]].
-*****Revealed [[Theology]]+:::* Science of Man.
-*****Knowledge of Good and Evil Spirits+::::* [[Pneumatology]] or Science of the [[Soul]].
-******[[Divination]]+:::::* Reasonable.
-******[[Black Magic]]+:::::* Sensible.
-****Knowledge of the [[Soul]]+::::* [[Logic]].
-*****Rational+:::::* Art of [[Outline of thought|Thinking]].
-*****Sensory+::::::* [[Apprehension (understanding)|Apprehension]].
-****[[Pneumatology]], or Knowledge of the Spirit, or Special Metaphysics+:::::::* Science of [[Idea]]s
-****Knowledge of Man+::::::* [[Judgement]].
-*****[[Logic]]+:::::::* Science of [[Proposition]]s.
-******Art of Thinking+::::::* [[Reasoning]].
-*******[[Perception]] +:::::::* [[Inductive reasoning|Induction]].
-********Knowledge of Ideas+::::::* [[Reasoning#Logical_reasoning_methods_and_argumentation|Method]].
-*******Judgment +:::::::* Demonstration.
-********Knowledge of Propositions+::::::::* [[Analysis]].
-*******Reasoning +::::::::* [[Synthesis]].
-********[[Inductive reasoning|Induction]]+:::::* Art of Remembering.
-*******Method +::::::* [[Memory]].
-********Proof+:::::::* Natural.
-*********Analysis+:::::::* [[Art of memory|Artificial]].
-*********[[wikt:Synthesis|Synthesis]]+::::::::* Prenotion.
-******Art of Retaining+::::::::* Emblem.
-*******[[Memory]]+::::::* Supplement to Memory.
-********Natural+:::::::* [[Writing]].
-********Artificial+:::::::* [[Printing]].
-*********Prenotion+::::::::* [[Alphabet]].
-*********Emblem+::::::::* Cipher.
-*******Supplement to Memory+:::::::::* Arts of [[Writing]], Printing, [[Reading (process)|Reading]], Deciphering.
-********Writing+::::::::::* [[Orthography]].
-*********[[Alphabet]]+:::::* Art of [[Communication]]
-**********Arts of [[Writing]], Printing, [[Reading (process)|Reading]], Deciphering+::::::* Science of the Instrument of [[Discourse]].
-***********[[Orthography]]+:::::::* [[Grammar]].
-*********[[Number]]s+::::::::* [[Sign]]s.
-********[[Printing]]+:::::::::* [[Gesture]].
-******Art of [[Communication]]+::::::::::* [[Mime|Pantomime]].
-*******Knowledge of [[oratory|Oratorical]] Devices+::::::::::* Declamation.
-********[[Grammar]]+:::::::::* Characters.
-*********Signs+::::::::::* [[Ideogram]]s.
-**********Gesture+::::::::::* [[Hieroglyphics]].
-***********[[Mime artist|Pantomime]]+::::::::::* [[Heraldry]] or Blazonry.
-***********Declamation+::::::::* [[Prosody (linguistics)|Prosody]].
-**********Characters+::::::::* Construction.
-***********[[Ideogram]]s+::::::::* [[Syntax]].
-***********[[Logogram|Hieroglyphs]]+::::::::* [[Philology]].
-***********[[Heraldry]] or Blazonry+::::::::* Critique.
-*********[[Prosody (linguistics)|Prosody]]+:::::::* [[Pedagogy]].
-*********Composition+::::::::* [[Curriculum|Choice of Studies]].
-*********[[Syntax]]+::::::::* [[Teaching method|Manner of Teaching]].
-*********[[Philology]]+::::::* Science of Qualities of [[Discourse]].
-*********Criticism+:::::::* [[Rhetoric]].
-*********[[Pedagogy]]+:::::::* Mechanics of [[Poetry]].
-**********Choice of Studies+::::* [[Outline of ethics|Ethics]].
-**********Manner of Teaching+:::::* [[Contemporary ethics|General]].
-*******Knowledge of Oratorical Qualities+::::::* General Science of [[Good and evil|Good and Evil]], of duties in general, of [[Virtue]], of the necessity of being Virtuous, etc.
-********[[Rhetoric]]+:::::* [[Outline of ethics#Branches of ethics|Particular]].
-********Mechanics of [[Poetry]] or Versification+::::::* Science of [[Law]]s or [[Jurisprudence]].
-*****[[Ethics]]+:::::::* [[Natural law|Natural]].
-******General+:::::::* [[Economic forces|Economic]]. ''(See also [[commercial law]])''
-*******Knowledge of Good and Evil in General, of Duties in General, of [[Virtue]], of the Necessity of Being Virtuous+:::::::* [[Politics|Political]]. ''(See also [[political law]])''
-******Particular+::::::::* [[Domestic politics|Internal]] and [[International politics|External]]. ''(See also [[foreign policy]])''
-*******Knowledge of [[Law]]s or [[Jurisprudence]]+::::::::* [[Commerce]] on Land and [[Maritime industry|Sea]].
-********Natural+:::* [[Natural science|Science of Nature]]
-*********Civil Architecture*+::::* [[Metaphysics]] of Bodies or, General Physics, of Extent, of Impenetrability, of Movement, of Word, etc.
-********Economic+::::* [[Outline of mathematics|Mathematics]].
-*********[[Naval Architecture]]+:::::* [[Pure mathematics|Pure]].
-*********Home and Foreign [[Trade]],+::::::* [[Outline of arithmetic|Arithmetic]].
-*********by Land, by Sea+:::::::* [[Number|Numeric]].
-********Political+:::::::* [[Algebra]].
-*********[[Military]] Art*+::::::::* [[Elementary algebra|Elementary]].
-**********[[military tactics|Tactics]]+::::::::* [[Infinitesimal]].
-**********[[Fortification]]s or Military Architecture+:::::::::* [[Differential algebra|Differential]].
-**********Military [[Pyrotechnics]]+:::::::::* [[Integral]].
-****Knowledge of Nature+::::::* [[Outline of geometry|Geometry]].
-*****[[Metaphysics]] of Bodies, or General Physics of Extension, Impenetrability, Movement, the Void, etc.+:::::::* Elementary (Military Architecture, Tactics).
-*****[[Mathematics]]+:::::::* Transcendental (Theory of Courses).
-******Pure+:::::* Mixed.
-*******[[Arithmetic]]+::::::* [[Mechanics]].
-********Numerical +::::::::* [[Statics]].
-********[[Algebra]]+:::::::::* Statics, properly said.
-*********Elementary+:::::::::* [[Hydrostatics]].
-*********[[Infinitesimal]]+::::::::* [[Dynamics (mechanics)|Dynamics]].
-**********[[Differential (infinitesimal)|Differential]]+:::::::::* Dynamics, properly said.
-**********[[Integral]]+:::::::::* [[Ballistics]].
-*******[[Geometry]]+:::::::::* [[Hydrodynamics]].
-********Elementary+::::::::::* [[Hydraulics]].
-*********Military Architecture and [[military tactics|Tactics]]+::::::::::* [[Navigation]], Naval Architecture.
-********Transcendental+::::::* Geometric [[Astronomy]].
-*********Theory of Curves+:::::::* [[Cosmography]].
-******Applied+::::::::* [[Celestial cartography|Uranography]].
-*******[[Mechanics]]+::::::::* [[Geography]].
-********[[Statics]]+::::::::* [[Hydrography]].
-*********Statics, proper+:::::::* [[Chronology]].
-*********[[Hydrostatics]]+:::::::* [[Gnomon]]ics.
-********[[Dynamics]]+::::::* [[Optics]].
-*********Dynamics, proper+:::::::* Optics, properly said.
-*********[[Ballistics]]+:::::::* [[Dioptrics]], Perspective.
-*********[[Hydrodynamics]]+:::::::* [[Catoptrics]].
-**********[[Hydraulics]]+::::::* [[Acoustics]].
-**********[[Navigation]], Naval Architecture+::::::* [[Pneumatics]].
-*******Geometric [[Astronomy]]+::::::* Art of Conjecture. [[probability|Analysis of Chance]].
-********[[Cosmography]]+:::::* Physicomathematics.
-*********Uranography+::::* Particular Physics.
-*********[[Geography]]+:::::* [[Outline of zoology|Zoology]].
-*********[[Hydrography]]+::::::* [[Anatomy]].
-********[[Chronology]]+:::::::* Simple.
-********[[Gnomon]]ics+:::::::* [[Comparative anatomy|Comparative]].
-*******[[Optics]]+::::::* [[Physiology]].
-********Optics, proper+::::::* [[Outline of medicine|Medicine]].
-********[[Dioptrics]], Perspective+:::::::* Hygiene.
-********[[List of telescope types|Catoptrics]]+::::::::* [[Hygiene]], properly said.
-*******[[Acoustics]]+::::::::* Cosmetics (Orthopedics).
-*******[[Pneumatics]]+::::::::* Athletics (Gymnastics).
-*******Art of Conjecturing, [[probability|Analysis of Chance]]+:::::::* Pathology.
-******Physico-Mathematics+:::::::* Semiotics.
-*****[[Physics]] ([[Natural philosophy]])+:::::::* Treatment.
-******General+::::::::* Diete.
-******Particular+::::::::* [[Surgery]].
-*******Physical [[Astronomy]], [[Astrology]]+::::::::* Pharmacy.
-********Juridical Astrology+::::::* [[Veterinary medicine|Veterinary Medicine]].
-********Physical Astrology+::::::* [[Horse care|Horse Management]].
-*******[[Meteorology]]+::::::* [[Hunting]].
-*******[[Physical cosmology|Cosmology]]+::::::* [[Outline of fishing|Fishing]].
-********Uranology+::::::* [[Falconry]].
-********[[Aerology]]+:::::* Physical [[Astronomy]].
-********[[Geology]]+::::::* [[Astrology]].
-********[[Hydrology]]+:::::::* Judiciary Astrology.
-*******[[Botany]]+:::::::* Physical Astrology.
-********[[Agriculture]]+:::::* [[Meteorology]].
-********[[Gardening]]+:::::* [[Cosmology]].
-*******[[Mineralogy]]+::::::* Uranology.
-*******[[Zoology]]+::::::* [[Aerology]].
-********[[Anatomy]]+::::::* [[Geology]].
-*********Simple+::::::* [[Hydrology]].
-*********Comparative+:::::* [[Botany]].
-********[[Physiology]]+::::::* [[Agriculture]].
-********[[Medicine]]+::::::* [[Gardening]].
-*********[[Hygiene]]+:::::* [[Mineralogy]].
-**********Hygiene, proper+:::::* [[Chemistry]].
-**********Cosmetics (Orthopedics)+::::::* Chemistry, properly said, ([[Pyrotechnics]], Dyeing, etc.).
-**********[[Sports|Athletics]] (Gymnastics)+::::::* [[Metallurgy]].
-*********[[Pathology]]+::::::* [[Alchemy]].
-*********[[Semiotics]]+::::::* Natural Magic.
-*********Therapeutics+:* Imagination.
-**********[[Diet (nutrition)|Diet]]+::* [[Poetry]].
-**********[[Surgery]]+:::* Profane.
-**********[[Pharmacy]]+::::* Narrative.
-********[[Veterinary]]+:::::* [[Epic poetry|Epic Poem]]
-********[[Horsemanship]]+:::::* [[Madrigal (poetry)|Madrigal]]
-********[[Hunting]]+:::::* [[Epigram]]
-********[[Fishing]]+:::::* [[Novel]], etc.
-********[[Falconry]]+::::* [[Drama|Dramatic]]
-*******[[Chemistry]]+:::::* [[Tragedy]]
-********Chemistry, proper+:::::* [[Comedy]]
-*********[[Pyrotechnics]], Dyeing, etc.+:::::* [[Pastoral]], etc.
-********[[Metallurgy]]+::::* Parable
-********[[Alchemy]]+:::::* [[Allegory]]
-********Natural Magic+(NOTE: THIS NEXT BRANCH SEEMS TO BELONG TO BOTH THE NARRATIVE AND DRAMATIC TREE AS DEPICTED BY THE LINE DRAWN CONNECTING THE TWO.)
-**Imagination+::::* [[Outline of music|Music]]
-***[[Poetry]]+:::::* [[Music theory|Theoretical]]
-****Profane+:::::* Practical ''(see also [[musical technique]])''
-*****Narrative+:::::** [[Instrumental]]
-******[[Epic poetry|Epic Poem]]+:::::** [[vocal music|Vocal]]
-******[[Madrigal (poetry)|Madrigal]]+::::* [[Outline of painting|Painting]]
-******[[Epigram]]+::::* [[Outline of sculpture|Sculpture]]
-******[[Novel]], etc.+::::* [[Engraving]]
-*****[[Music]]+
-******Theoretical+
-******Practical+
-******[[instrumental music|Instrumental]]+
-******[[vocal music|Vocal]]+
-*****[[Painting]]+
-*****[[Sculpture]]+
-*****[[Engraving]]+
-*****Dramatic+
-******[[Tragedy]]+
-******[[Comedy]]+
-******[[Opera]]+
-******[[Pastoral]], etc.+
-*****Parabolic+
-******[[Allegory]]+
-****Sacred+
-<nowiki>*</nowiki>These divisions can also be referred to the branch of mathematics which deals with their principles.+
==See also== ==See also==
Line 280: Line 266:
*[[Propædia]] *[[Propædia]]
-==Notes== 
==References== ==References==
* Robert Darnton, "Epistemological angst: From encyclopedism to advertising," in Tore Frängsmyr, ed., ''The structure of knowledge: classifications of science and learning since the Renaissance'' (Berkeley, CA: Office for the History of Science and Technology, University of California, Berkeley, 2001). * Robert Darnton, "Epistemological angst: From encyclopedism to advertising," in Tore Frängsmyr, ed., ''The structure of knowledge: classifications of science and learning since the Renaissance'' (Berkeley, CA: Office for the History of Science and Technology, University of California, Berkeley, 2001).
-* Adams, David (2006) 'The Système figuré des Connaissances humaines and the structure of Knowledge in the Encyclopédie', in Ordering the World, ed. Diana Donald and Frank O'Gorman, London: Macmillan, p.190-215. +* Adams, David (2006) 'The Système figuré des Connaissances humaines and the structure of Knowledge in the Encyclopédie', in Ordering the World, ed. Diana Donald and Frank O'Gorman, London: Macmillan, p.&nbsp;190-215.
* ''Preliminary discourse to the Encyclopedia of Diderot'', Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, translated by Richard N. Schwab, 1995. ISBN 0-226-13476-8 * ''Preliminary discourse to the Encyclopedia of Diderot'', Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, translated by Richard N. Schwab, 1995. ISBN 0-226-13476-8
{{GFDL}} {{GFDL}}

Revision as of 12:41, 28 April 2013

Related e

Wikipedia
Wiktionary
Shop

Featured:

Image:ENC SYSTEME FIGURE.jpeg
The original "figurative system of human knowledge" tree, in French.

The "figurative system of human knowledge", sometimes known as the tree of Diderot and d'Alembert, was a tree developed to represent the structure of knowledge itself, produced for the Encyclopédie by Jean le Rond d'Alembert and Denis Diderot.

The tree was a taxonomy of human knowledge, inspired by Francis Bacon's The Advancement of Learning. The three main branches of knowledge in the tree are: "Memory"/History, "Reason"/Philosophy, and "Imagination"/Poetry.

Notable is the fact that theology is ordered under 'Philosophy'. The historian Robert Darnton has argued that this categorization of religion as being subject to human reason, and not a source of knowledge in and of itself (revelation), was a significant factor in the controversy surrounding the work. Additionally notice that 'Knowledge of God' is only a few nodes away from 'Divination' and 'Black Magic'.

The original version, in French, can be seen in the graphic on the right. An image of the diagram with English translations superimposed over the French text is available. Another example of English translation of the tree is available in literature (see the reference by Schwab). Below is a version of it rendered in English as a bulleted outline.

The Tree of Diderot and d'Alembert

"Detailed System of Human Knowledge" from the Encyclopédie.

  • Deviations of Nature.
  • Work and Uses of Precious Stones.
  • Work and Uses of Iron.
  • Work and Uses of Glass.
  • Work and Uses of Skin.
  • Work and Uses of Silk.
  • Spinning.
  • Milling.
  • Work like.
  • Velvet.
  • Brocaded Fabrics, etc.
  • Work and Uses of Wool.
  • Cloth-Making.
  • Bonnet-Making, etc.
  • Working and Uses, etc.
  • Science of Man.
  • Reasonable.
  • Sensible.
  • Demonstration.
  • Art of Remembering.
  • Prenotion.
  • Emblem.
  • Supplement to Memory.
  • Characters.
  • General Science of Good and Evil, of duties in general, of Virtue, of the necessity of being Virtuous, etc.
  • Metaphysics of Bodies or, General Physics, of Extent, of Impenetrability, of Movement, of Word, etc.
  • Mathematics.
  • Elementary (Military Architecture, Tactics).
  • Transcendental (Theory of Courses).
  • Mixed.
  • Physicomathematics.
  • Particular Physics.
  • Hygiene.
  • Hygiene, properly said.
  • Cosmetics (Orthopedics).
  • Athletics (Gymnastics).
  • Pathology.
  • Semiotics.
  • Treatment.
  • Judiciary Astrology.
  • Physical Astrology.
  • Imagination.
  • Profane.
  • Narrative.
  • Parable

(NOTE: THIS NEXT BRANCH SEEMS TO BELONG TO BOTH THE NARRATIVE AND DRAMATIC TREE AS DEPICTED BY THE LINE DRAWN CONNECTING THE TWO.)

See also


References

  • Robert Darnton, "Epistemological angst: From encyclopedism to advertising," in Tore Frängsmyr, ed., The structure of knowledge: classifications of science and learning since the Renaissance (Berkeley, CA: Office for the History of Science and Technology, University of California, Berkeley, 2001).
  • Adams, David (2006) 'The Système figuré des Connaissances humaines and the structure of Knowledge in the Encyclopédie', in Ordering the World, ed. Diana Donald and Frank O'Gorman, London: Macmillan, p. 190-215.
  • Preliminary discourse to the Encyclopedia of Diderot, Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, translated by Richard N. Schwab, 1995. ISBN 0-226-13476-8


Unless indicated otherwise, the text in this article is either based on Wikipedia article "Figurative system of human knowledge" or another language Wikipedia page thereof used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License; or on research by Jahsonic and friends. See Art and Popular Culture's copyright notice.

Retrieved from "http://artandpopularculture.com/Figurative_system_of_human_knowledge"
Personal tools
Metas