Boolean Algebra and the Yi Jing 5. Conclusions

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This essay has explored a formal, computational analysis of the structures of the gua. More properly I should say that it has begun that exploration, for there is much work yet to do in this area. This is not an easy subject to tackle: it requires a detailed knowledge of some mathematical and logical concepts to grasp the exploration that is being started here. However, I believe that the fit between these areas of mathematics and the Yi is clear and not co-incidental.

It is not co-incidental because the Yi embodies structure: if one believes that the Universe is a cosmos, and that the Yi describes that Universe, then how could the Yi not encode structure? For the Yi, the starting point of that structure is the complementary relationship between yin and yang. This binary characterization is the most fundamental form of information -- it is the minimal distinction, but in being minimal, it is also the easiest distinction on which computation can be built.

I do not mean to suggest that the ancient sages who constructed the Yi conceived of, or understood, the Yi as the basis of modern digital techniques. What I do suggest is that the reason those sages developed an essentially binary symbolism of situations is the same reason that the founding fathers of digital computers used a binary representation: because it is the easiest. And after all, one translation of the term "yi" is as "easy"!

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All material on this page copyright Dr Andreas Schöter

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