Tree of Science (Ramon Llull)

The Tree of Science (Latin: Arbor Scientiae) is a comprehensive philosophical and encyclopedic work by the Majorcan philosopher, theologian, logician, and mystic Ramon Llull (also known as Raymond Lully). Completed in 1295 or 1296, it represents a culmination of Llull's Ars Magna, a complex system of logical devices aimed at discovering truth and converting non-Christians to Christianity through rational argument.

The Tree of Science is structured metaphorically as a tree with sixteen different trees representing various branches of knowledge. Each tree is further subdivided into roots, trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits, each element symbolizing different aspects or categories within the specific field of study.

The sixteen trees are:

1. The Elemental Tree: deals with the four elements (earth, air, fire, water) and their qualities.
2. The Vegetal Tree: covers the world of plants, their types, and properties.
3. The Sensual Tree: explores the five senses and their objects.
4. The Imaginal Tree: delves into the faculty of imagination and its role in knowledge.
5. The Human Tree: discusses human nature, the soul, and its faculties.
6. The Celestial Tree: examines the heavens, planets, and stars.
7. The Angelic Tree: considers the nature and hierarchy of angels.
8. The Intellectual Tree: explores the intellect and its operations.
9. The Evidential Tree: focuses on the nature of proof and argumentation.
10. The Contrary Tree: examines opposing concepts and their relationships.
11. The Virtuous Tree: delves into virtues and their importance.
12. The Vicious Tree: considers vices and their effects.
13. The Divine Tree: concerns the nature of God and divine attributes.
14. The Exemplary Tree: explores exemplary figures and their virtues.
15. The Questional Tree: presents questions and answers on various topics.
16. The Marian Tree: is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and her virtues.

Through this elaborate structure, Llull aimed to present a unified and interconnected system of knowledge, demonstrating the underlying harmony and order of the universe, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of God. The Tree of Science is a significant work in the history of encyclopedias, medieval thought, and the development of logic and epistemology. It reflects Llull's ambition to create a universal system of knowledge capable of addressing all aspects of reality and converting individuals to Christianity through reason and understanding.