The Scientific Import of Symbols in Human Knowledge

Abstract

Symbolism, being the use of symbols to represent ideas, it is generally believed that symbolism is restricted to the Arts, especially logic and literature. However, recent developments have shown that symbolism can be an interesting companion and, in fact, a necessary complement, of science. This work X-Rays the phenomenon of symbolization or symbolism, vis a vis exposing its potentiality as an emerging veritable complement of modern science and the scientific methodology. It also portrays the reality of signs and symbols, showing their areas of convergence and their areas of divergence. Analytic and hermeneutic methods were used. In the analysis and interpretation of issues, instances were cited from the Catholic Liturgy of Christendom, the African Traditional Religion, Science, Mathematics and normal social life situations.