Ramon Llull
Inventor of a combinatorial logical system to prove Christian doctrine.
Ramon Llull (c. He invented a philosophical system known as the Art, conceived as a type of universal logic to prove the truth of Christian doctrine to interlocutors of all faiths and nationalities, illustrated with diagrams and based on combinatorial operations. A prolific writer, he is also known for his literary works in Catalan, which he composed to make his Art accessible to a wider audience, and he likely wrote in Arabic as well.
- field
- Philosophy, theology, literature
- nationality
- Kingdom of Majorca (Crown of Aragon)
- known_for
- Inventing the Art, a combinatorial logical system; precursor to computation theory and social choice theory
Reader's Guide
Llull's Art, developed over decades in two main phases (Quaternary and Ternary), is a system of universal logic using letters and diagrams to combine divine principles and prove statements about God. Although his work did not enjoy huge success during his lifetime, it has had a rich and continuing reception. In the early modern period his name became associated with alchemical works. His legacy includes influencing later thinkers in logic, combinatorics, and missionary linguistics.
Did You Know?
- Llull purchased a Muslim slave to learn Arabic from him.
- His Art used letters and diagrams, giving it an algebraic or algorithmic character.
- He urged the study of Arabic and other languages to convert Muslims and schismatic Christians.
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