The Sacred Geometry of the Gothic Cathedral: How Circles Become Squares (The Sacred Geometry of t...

Jung has linked his definition of archetype with the Imago Dei, the God image. For medieval culture, this Imago Dei found its grand expression in the fantastic gothic cathedrals. To understand more fully Jung's hypothesis of archetype, this course seeks to first understand the philosophical basis for the archetype in Plato and his notion of eternal ideas and then Pythagoras and his philosophy's synthesis of science and mysticism. This course will include a walking tour of one or more of Chicago's cathedrals such that participants can more fully appreciate how these ancient ordering principles continue to inform us in our local communities. In addition, this course will provide participants with an experiential component. Through the use of a compass, participants will then draw many of the basic geometrical figures with emphasis and discussion of their mystical origin in ancient philosophy. Finally, application of these ancient ordering principles to the design and construction of the gothic cathedral and their expression in medieval culture will be made.