Timothy Rogers | University of Toronto (original) (raw)
Overview by Timothy Rogers
In this paper, I trace the three-fold essence of “return”—a generating trope of identity and diff... more In this paper, I trace the three-fold essence of “return”—a generating trope of identity and difference, through which formal aspects of the theory of relativity, the movement of language and emergence in evolution might converge. The trope of return is contrasted with the more common two-fold structure of relatedness underwriting differential calculus, propositional semantics and reductionism, which privileges space over time, identity over difference, self over creation.
Work in progress by Timothy Rogers
A speculative exploration of the distinction between a relational formal ontology and a classical... more A speculative exploration of the distinction between a relational formal ontology and a classical formal ontology for modelling phenomena in nature that exhibit relationally-mediated wholism, such as phenomena from quantum physics and biosemiotics. Whereas a classical formal ontology is based on mathematical objects and classes, a relational formal ontology is based on mathematical signs and categories. A relational formal ontology involves nodal networks (systems of constrained iterative processes) that are dynamically sustained through signalling. The nodal networks are hierarchically ordered and exhibit characteristics of deep learning.
Sign Systems Studies, 2024
A formal model of the processes of digestion in a hypothetical cell is developed and discussed as... more A formal model of the processes of digestion in a hypothetical cell is developed and discussed as a case study of how the threefold logic of Peircean semiotics works within Rosen's paradigm of relational ontology. The formal model is used to demonstrate several fundamental differences between a relational description of biological processes and a mechanistic description. The formal model produces a logic of embodied generalization that is mediated and determined by the cell through its interactions with the environment. Specifically, the synchronization of the functions of pattern recognition and semantic attribution results in an open and adaptive learning system that is stabilized by a hermeneutical circle. The relational principles of biosemiotics demonstrated through this case study are applicable to other biological systems, as well as to the relational ontology of systems theory and relativistic quantum theory.
An exploration of the metaphysics of categories, relations and signs.
Suppose we find ourselves at the end of "the age of modernity". Let this parabolic étude be a med... more Suppose we find ourselves at the end of "the age of modernity". Let this parabolic étude be a meditation on that end.
Book by Timothy Rogers
This workbook of "études" offers a collection of experimental texts for communal dialogue and dis... more This workbook of "études" offers a collection of experimental texts for communal dialogue and discovery that crosses multiple academic disciplines, including: foundations of physics, metaphysics, theoretical biology, semiotics, cognitive science, linguistics, phenomenology, information theory, logic & mathematics, poetry and theology. Each étude probes limits, horizons and boundaries by implicitly bringing into relation foundational issues that characterize different academic disciplines or systems of meaning formation. Some formal techniques are deployed the études. Most notable is the use of the “logic of three” to overcome falsely totalizing images and inexorable dualities. This technique involves a particular kind of attunement to the “betweenness” of mediation that is not common in modern science. The attunement draws on the formal and precise movements of analysis in concert with the metaphoric and singular movements of synthesis.
a composite poem as companion to a collection of philosophical études
Philosophy of Physics by Timothy Rogers
An exploration of the metaphysics of process-ordering in Quantum Theory and Relativity Theory tha... more An exploration of the metaphysics of process-ordering in Quantum Theory and Relativity Theory that is guided by Bohm, Peirce, Levinas, and Torrance.
An exploration of the hypothesis that quantum mechanics is the interpretative framework of relati... more An exploration of the hypothesis that quantum mechanics is the interpretative framework of relativity theory.
The debate between Bergson and Einstein regarding the nature of time presents an opportunity to i... more The debate between Bergson and Einstein regarding the nature of time presents an opportunity to investigate the Logic of Three as the underlying logic that relates quantum mechanics to relativity theory. The Logic of Three is the formative principle of " relational objects " or images.
Relational Ontology, in the context of physics, is a metaphysical or philosophical position that ... more Relational Ontology, in the context of physics, is a metaphysical or philosophical position that takes relations to be more fundamental than particular objects, physical entities or physical states. Relational ontology presents a radically different way to think about physical theories and their interpretations compared with Classical Ontology (such as the ontology of Newton’s classical mechanics or the ontology of Euclidean geometry) which takes objects to be more fundamental than their relationships to one another.
[Updated reading list Jan 2023]
An imaginative exploration of space and time in which light mediates the relationship between fin... more An imaginative exploration of space and time in which light mediates the relationship between finitude and the Infinite. Light becomes the creative source through which interiority and exteriority are manifested and brought into synchronicity as time, space and mass. The exploration probes the relational logic of relativity theory using the meta-physical insights of Augustine, Hegel, Levinas, and Peirce.
An exploration of the relational ontology of space, time and light.
In modern physics, Space becomes the meta-form of the general, the ground. Time becomes the meta-... more In modern physics, Space becomes the meta-form of the general, the ground. Time becomes the meta-form of the particular, the given. And in the wedge between space and time, there is Light. The logic of three is the logic of light. Understood in this way, in modern physics light is the creative source of the physical world in space and time. Relativity theory describes the external form of the logic and quantum mechanics describes the internal form. The logic of three shifts our metaphysical perspective away from a dark ground of objects in-themselves towards the illumination of light as creative act.
Triadic (systemical) logic can provide an interpretive paradigm for understanding how quantum ind... more Triadic (systemical) logic can provide an interpretive paradigm for understanding how quantum indeterminacy is a consequence of the formal nature of light in relativity theory. This interpretive paradigm is coherent and constitutionally open to ethical and theological interests.
In this statement:
(1) Triadic logic refers to a formal pattern that describes systemic (collaborative) processes involving signs that mediate between interiority (individuation) and exteriority (generalized worldview or Umwelt). It is also called systemical logic or the logic of relatives. The term "triadic logic" emphasizes that this logic involves mediation of dualities through an irreducibly triadic formalism. The term "systemical logic" emphasizes that this logic applies to systems in contrast to traditional binary logic which applies to classes. The term "logic of relatives" emphasizes that this logic is background independent (in the sense discussed by Smolin ).
(2) An interpretive paradigm refers to a way of thinking that generates an understanding through concepts, their inter-relationships and their connections with experience.
(3) Coherence refers to holistic integrity or continuity in the meaning of concepts that form an interpretation or understanding.
(4) Constitutionally open refers to an inherent dependence in principle of an interpretation or understanding on something outside of a specific discipline's discourse or domain of inquiry (epistemic system). Interpretations that are constitutionally open are incomplete in themselves and open to responsive, interdisciplinary discourse and collaborative learning.
A deconstruction of the implicit notion of Absolute space that dominates modern physics. The deco... more A deconstruction of the implicit notion of Absolute space that dominates modern physics. The deconstruction is enacted by juxtaposing the common notion of Absolute space abstracted from Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica with Levinas’ particular present treatment of space in Otherwise than Being: Or Beyond Essence.
![Research paper thumbnail of A physicist's guide to [Hegel's] Phenomenology of Spirit : Resonance, disambiguation and the genesis of spatial orientation](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/33642555/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](An exploration of how Hegel’s triadic “logic” as developed in Phenomenology of Spirit might be ap... more An exploration of how Hegel’s triadic “logic” as developed in Phenomenology of Spirit might be applied to the functional role of light in relativity theory. In this exploration, the triadic form of light produces an exteriorization of spacetime separation at the same time as it interiorizes orientation in the form of quantum spin. Spacetime embeds quantum properties as a result of the three-fold relational nature of substance, namely: being in relation to self (sameness), being in relation to another (alterity), and being in relation to a whole (return).
By identifying the formal role of light in relativity theory with the formal role of text in Gada... more By identifying the formal role of light in relativity theory with the formal role of text in Gadamer’s theory of hermeneutics, the two theories are brought into relationship. Through this fusion, the privileging of “space” in physics and the privileging of “time” in hermeneutics are reciprocally interrogated as horizons of truth.
In this paper, I trace the three-fold essence of “return”—a generating trope of identity and diff... more In this paper, I trace the three-fold essence of “return”—a generating trope of identity and difference, through which formal aspects of the theory of relativity, the movement of language and emergence in evolution might converge. The trope of return is contrasted with the more common two-fold structure of relatedness underwriting differential calculus, propositional semantics and reductionism, which privileges space over time, identity over difference, self over creation.
A speculative exploration of the distinction between a relational formal ontology and a classical... more A speculative exploration of the distinction between a relational formal ontology and a classical formal ontology for modelling phenomena in nature that exhibit relationally-mediated wholism, such as phenomena from quantum physics and biosemiotics. Whereas a classical formal ontology is based on mathematical objects and classes, a relational formal ontology is based on mathematical signs and categories. A relational formal ontology involves nodal networks (systems of constrained iterative processes) that are dynamically sustained through signalling. The nodal networks are hierarchically ordered and exhibit characteristics of deep learning.
Sign Systems Studies, 2024
A formal model of the processes of digestion in a hypothetical cell is developed and discussed as... more A formal model of the processes of digestion in a hypothetical cell is developed and discussed as a case study of how the threefold logic of Peircean semiotics works within Rosen's paradigm of relational ontology. The formal model is used to demonstrate several fundamental differences between a relational description of biological processes and a mechanistic description. The formal model produces a logic of embodied generalization that is mediated and determined by the cell through its interactions with the environment. Specifically, the synchronization of the functions of pattern recognition and semantic attribution results in an open and adaptive learning system that is stabilized by a hermeneutical circle. The relational principles of biosemiotics demonstrated through this case study are applicable to other biological systems, as well as to the relational ontology of systems theory and relativistic quantum theory.
An exploration of the metaphysics of categories, relations and signs.
Suppose we find ourselves at the end of "the age of modernity". Let this parabolic étude be a med... more Suppose we find ourselves at the end of "the age of modernity". Let this parabolic étude be a meditation on that end.
This workbook of "études" offers a collection of experimental texts for communal dialogue and dis... more This workbook of "études" offers a collection of experimental texts for communal dialogue and discovery that crosses multiple academic disciplines, including: foundations of physics, metaphysics, theoretical biology, semiotics, cognitive science, linguistics, phenomenology, information theory, logic & mathematics, poetry and theology. Each étude probes limits, horizons and boundaries by implicitly bringing into relation foundational issues that characterize different academic disciplines or systems of meaning formation. Some formal techniques are deployed the études. Most notable is the use of the “logic of three” to overcome falsely totalizing images and inexorable dualities. This technique involves a particular kind of attunement to the “betweenness” of mediation that is not common in modern science. The attunement draws on the formal and precise movements of analysis in concert with the metaphoric and singular movements of synthesis.
a composite poem as companion to a collection of philosophical études
An exploration of the metaphysics of process-ordering in Quantum Theory and Relativity Theory tha... more An exploration of the metaphysics of process-ordering in Quantum Theory and Relativity Theory that is guided by Bohm, Peirce, Levinas, and Torrance.
An exploration of the hypothesis that quantum mechanics is the interpretative framework of relati... more An exploration of the hypothesis that quantum mechanics is the interpretative framework of relativity theory.
The debate between Bergson and Einstein regarding the nature of time presents an opportunity to i... more The debate between Bergson and Einstein regarding the nature of time presents an opportunity to investigate the Logic of Three as the underlying logic that relates quantum mechanics to relativity theory. The Logic of Three is the formative principle of " relational objects " or images.
Relational Ontology, in the context of physics, is a metaphysical or philosophical position that ... more Relational Ontology, in the context of physics, is a metaphysical or philosophical position that takes relations to be more fundamental than particular objects, physical entities or physical states. Relational ontology presents a radically different way to think about physical theories and their interpretations compared with Classical Ontology (such as the ontology of Newton’s classical mechanics or the ontology of Euclidean geometry) which takes objects to be more fundamental than their relationships to one another.
[Updated reading list Jan 2023]
An imaginative exploration of space and time in which light mediates the relationship between fin... more An imaginative exploration of space and time in which light mediates the relationship between finitude and the Infinite. Light becomes the creative source through which interiority and exteriority are manifested and brought into synchronicity as time, space and mass. The exploration probes the relational logic of relativity theory using the meta-physical insights of Augustine, Hegel, Levinas, and Peirce.
An exploration of the relational ontology of space, time and light.
In modern physics, Space becomes the meta-form of the general, the ground. Time becomes the meta-... more In modern physics, Space becomes the meta-form of the general, the ground. Time becomes the meta-form of the particular, the given. And in the wedge between space and time, there is Light. The logic of three is the logic of light. Understood in this way, in modern physics light is the creative source of the physical world in space and time. Relativity theory describes the external form of the logic and quantum mechanics describes the internal form. The logic of three shifts our metaphysical perspective away from a dark ground of objects in-themselves towards the illumination of light as creative act.
Triadic (systemical) logic can provide an interpretive paradigm for understanding how quantum ind... more Triadic (systemical) logic can provide an interpretive paradigm for understanding how quantum indeterminacy is a consequence of the formal nature of light in relativity theory. This interpretive paradigm is coherent and constitutionally open to ethical and theological interests.
In this statement:
(1) Triadic logic refers to a formal pattern that describes systemic (collaborative) processes involving signs that mediate between interiority (individuation) and exteriority (generalized worldview or Umwelt). It is also called systemical logic or the logic of relatives. The term "triadic logic" emphasizes that this logic involves mediation of dualities through an irreducibly triadic formalism. The term "systemical logic" emphasizes that this logic applies to systems in contrast to traditional binary logic which applies to classes. The term "logic of relatives" emphasizes that this logic is background independent (in the sense discussed by Smolin ).
(2) An interpretive paradigm refers to a way of thinking that generates an understanding through concepts, their inter-relationships and their connections with experience.
(3) Coherence refers to holistic integrity or continuity in the meaning of concepts that form an interpretation or understanding.
(4) Constitutionally open refers to an inherent dependence in principle of an interpretation or understanding on something outside of a specific discipline's discourse or domain of inquiry (epistemic system). Interpretations that are constitutionally open are incomplete in themselves and open to responsive, interdisciplinary discourse and collaborative learning.
A deconstruction of the implicit notion of Absolute space that dominates modern physics. The deco... more A deconstruction of the implicit notion of Absolute space that dominates modern physics. The deconstruction is enacted by juxtaposing the common notion of Absolute space abstracted from Newton’s Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica with Levinas’ particular present treatment of space in Otherwise than Being: Or Beyond Essence.
An exploration of how Hegel’s triadic “logic” as developed in Phenomenology of Spirit might be ap... more An exploration of how Hegel’s triadic “logic” as developed in Phenomenology of Spirit might be applied to the functional role of light in relativity theory. In this exploration, the triadic form of light produces an exteriorization of spacetime separation at the same time as it interiorizes orientation in the form of quantum spin. Spacetime embeds quantum properties as a result of the three-fold relational nature of substance, namely: being in relation to self (sameness), being in relation to another (alterity), and being in relation to a whole (return).
By identifying the formal role of light in relativity theory with the formal role of text in Gada... more By identifying the formal role of light in relativity theory with the formal role of text in Gadamer’s theory of hermeneutics, the two theories are brought into relationship. Through this fusion, the privileging of “space” in physics and the privileging of “time” in hermeneutics are reciprocally interrogated as horizons of truth.
Using Peirce as a guide, this paper explores the way in which light mediates finitude through the... more Using Peirce as a guide, this paper explores the way in which light mediates finitude through the relational process of semiosis. Embodying the triadic logic of identity, difference and return, light creates space, time and matter. Attention is on simple bodily forms and the meta-physics of their relationality. The first section introduces the mathematical and metaphysical contours of Peirce’s approach. The second section motivates Peirce’s three categories as interwoven process. In the third section, Peirce’s formalism of the sign is presented and applied to simple physical and biological bodies.
By bringing together Dretske’s theory of knowledge, Shannon’s theory of information, and the conc... more By bringing together Dretske’s theory of knowledge, Shannon’s theory of information, and the conceptual framework of statistical physics, this paper explores some of the meta-physical challenges posed by a naturalistic notion of semantical information. It is argued that Dretske’s theory cannot be said to be naturalistically grounded in the world described by classical physics and that Dretske information is not consistent with Shannon information. A possible route to reconciling Dretske’s insights with Shannon’s theory is proposed. Along the way, an attempt is made to clarify several points of possible confusion about the relationships between Dretske information, Shannon information and statistical physics.
Drawing on insights from modern physics and post-modern philosophy, this paper explores of the st... more Drawing on insights from modern physics and post-modern philosophy, this paper explores of the structural foundations of evolutionary theory. Gould’s archetypal form for theories of evolution is used, which involves the interdependence of agency (locus of action), efficacy (causal mechanism), and scope (domain of applicability). It is argued that the (meta-physical) assumption of reductionism, which is often assumed by interpreters of evolutionary theories, is not consistent with the archetypal form. A reframing of the theoretical underpinnings of evolutionary theories is proposed that avoids reductionism while also remaining open to theological concerns.
Habermas’ theory of communicative action is explored as an orientation to the question of underst... more Habermas’ theory of communicative action is explored as an orientation to the question of understanding which negotiates a pathway between two opposing (and complementary) theoretical frameworks—namely, hermeneutical-relational and empirical-analytical frameworks. His perspective grounds speech, action and understanding in the ethics of human relations. In his approach, understanding is fixed by particular events or “situations” about which intersubjective agreement must be achieved through the offer and acceptance of reasons that simultaneously orient actors to three worlds: the objective, the social and the personal worlds. This approach raises the question as to whether the process of abstracting from the particular event to the general, through such rational discourse, might create systems of understanding which silence individual expression and “naming”, particularly if such expression involves an identity that is not shared with others in the group. In other words, is the origin of an event or situation necessarily a null point for all actors? As this question is explored, metaphor comes to the fore as a complementary process of “showing” that which cannot be “grounded” in the dominant system of understanding. The pivot role of “naming” in the formal structure of Godel’s first incompleteness theorem for number theory demonstrates the challenge to Habermas’ theory.
This étude is an interrogation of a way or mode of thinking, characteristic of modernity, that po... more This étude is an interrogation of a way or mode of thinking, characteristic of modernity, that potentially mischaracterizes the relation between physical things and ideas. The characteristic mode of modern thinking approaches the contemplation of unity or Oneness by way of the manipulation of things-in-the-world as mere (mirror) reflections of ideas-in-the-mind which are likewise found to be manipulations. Using Byzantine Eikons as archetypal forms and guided by Augustine and Maximus the Confessor, a different mode of contemplation comes to bear over and against modernity’s conceit in an attempt to bring into recognition a fundamental error in the modern understanding of theoria.
With creation ex nihilo, light becomes the primal source of space, time, matter and form, such th... more With creation ex nihilo, light becomes the primal source of space, time, matter and form, such that the unity of the cosmos (and humanity) can no longer be said to rest in itself.
An exploration of the metaphysics of relation as a unifying motif in modern physics. What happens... more An exploration of the metaphysics of relation as a unifying motif in modern physics. What happens when Ideal observers begin to observe their own observing?
Patristic writings offer a formal critique of the implicit metaphysical assumptions that grounded... more Patristic writings offer a formal critique of the implicit metaphysical assumptions that grounded twentieth century physics. This critique can open the reader to the possibility of " relational ontology " as an alternative metaphysical paradigm that is consistent with both modern physics and Trinitarian theology. [Research proposal]
An exploration of the formal logic of identity in the semiotic process of creation.
This close reading of the first three chapters of Genesis explores unity-in-relatedness as counte... more This close reading of the first three chapters of Genesis explores unity-in-relatedness as counterpoint to a reductional concept of self.
An exploration of Augustine’s approach to unity through three inter-related formal “aspects”, nam... more An exploration of Augustine’s approach to unity through three inter-related formal “aspects”, namely monadic, dyad and triadic forms. Augustine’s formalism is used to interrogate the concepts of space, time, light and void (nothingness) in modern physics.
Physical Review B, Jan 1, 1988
Physical Review B, Jan 1, 1989
TM Rogers and Rashmi C. Desai University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A7. Received 2... more TM Rogers and Rashmi C. Desai University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 1A7. Received 27 January 1989 ... 4 [see (A 14)]. 1 1 959 39 -0 0 1 TM ROGERS ANDRASHMI C. DESAI -5.5 A Z -6.5 -7 a -7.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 1n(T) FIG. ...
We describe salient individual and organizational factors that influenced engagement of registere... more We describe salient individual and organizational factors that influenced engagement of registered nurses in a 12-month clinical mentorship intervention on HIV care in Canada. The intervention included 48 nurses and 8 people living with HIV (PLWH) who were involved in group-based and one-on-one informal mentorship informed by transformative learning theory. We evaluated the process of implementing the mentorship intervention using qualitative content analysis. The inclusion of PLWH as mentors, the opportunities for reciprocal learning, and the long-term commitment of individual nurses and partner organizations in HIV care were major strengths. Challenges included the need for multiple ethical approvals, the lack of organizational support at some clinical sites, and the time commitment required by participants. We recommend that clinical mentorship interventions in HIV care consider organizational support, adhere to the Greater Involvement of People Living with HIV/AIDS principles, and explore questions of professional obligations.