ars magna

Ramon Llull, a Majorcan philosopher, logician and Franciscan theologian, established the literary tradition in Catalonia with his groundbreaking work. The Ars Magna aimed to discern between truth and falsehood by devising a mechanical system that combined terms using a logical machine. This innovative approach laid the groundwork for algorithmic lines of tradition in heuristics, marking a significant contribution to the field of scholarship. The manuscript, originating in the mid-13th century, was rediscovered during the Renaissance and adorned with twenty-nine illustrations by anonymous illuminators.

Llull’s life journey was equally remarkable. Initially leading a courtly and worldly life, he experienced a transformative vision in 1263, compelling him to change his ways and dedicate himself to religious pursuits. His subsequent educational tours, language studies in Arabic and poetic skills served the Catholic faith. Llull’s reputation as a scholar grew rapidly, and he became renowned as a confidant of prominent figures like Jacob II. His involvement in the Council of Vienna and contributions to oriental studies further solidified his legacy in Western Europe.

He composed numerous works in Latin and Catalonian, essentially founding Catalonian literature. The Ars Magna, his notable contribution, introduced a self-constructed logic machine consisting of seven rotatable discs adorned with different terms representing logical operations like Distinction, Agreement, Contradiction, and Equality. Rotating these discs produced various combinations corresponding to syllogistic principles, expanding upon Aristotle’s logic.

Despite Llull’s significant impact on European intellectual development, his ideas faced skepticism and opposition, leading to an official ban on his work for two centuries due to contradictions with prevalent scholasticism. However, clandestine study and reproduction of his writings continued. In the 17th century, translations of Ars Magna into philosophical language led to its influence in educational institutions. Notably, the principles articulated by Llull found traction among influential scholars of the Early Modern period, including Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, the pioneering figure in mathematical logic. Leibniz drew inspiration from Llull’s work in his own endeavors, contributing to the evolution of logic.

The facsimile edition of the Ars Magna is complemented by a bookcase for its conservation and complementary study book by subject matter experts.

This facsimile is a unique edition of 995 books numered and authenticated by notarial deed.