elpais.com
Jesuit's Forgotten Plan for a Universal Language
In 1653, Spanish Jesuit Pedro Bermudo proposed a universal language system in Rome, using a combination of Roman and Arabic numerals to categorize concepts, a plan that was later referenced by Gottfried Leibniz and recently revived in a theatrical production.
- What was Pedro Bermudo's proposed system for a universal language, and what was its significance?
- Bermudo's system categorized concepts into 44 classes using Roman numerals, with specific terms within each class numbered using Arabic numerals (e.g., 'God' was III.1, 'Lucifer' II.5). Its significance lies in its pre-dating other such proposals and its possible connection to methods for teaching the deaf.
- How did Bermudo's proposal remain obscure for centuries, and how was his identity eventually discovered?
- Bermudo's single-page proposal, "Arithmeticus nomenclator", went unnoticed until a 1664 analysis by Jesuit Gaspar Schott. Schott described the system but forgot Bermudo's name. Leibniz later cited the work, further highlighting its mystery until its author was finally identified in 1946 by historian Ramón Ceñal.
- What are the potential connections between Bermudo's deafness and his language system, and what broader implications does this have?
- Scholar Gerhard Strasser hypothesizes Bermudo was deaf and that his system was influenced by 17th-century methods for teaching the deaf in Spain. This suggests his work may reflect both religious and pedagogical contexts of its time, contributing to the history of communication for people with hearing impairments and the development of mathematical-combinatorial languages.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a positive framing of Pedro Bermudo's work, highlighting his ingenuity and the historical significance of his attempt to create a universal language. The title itself, focusing on the 'last universal genius' and a 'revolutionary character,' sets a tone of admiration. The emphasis on his obscurity and rediscovery further builds a narrative of triumphant recovery of an unjustly forgotten figure. However, this framing could be considered slightly biased, as it doesn't fully explore potential limitations or criticisms of Bermudo's system.
Language Bias
The language used is largely descriptive and informative, but some words carry positive connotations, such as 'ingenioso' (ingenious), 'asombrosa' (amazing), and 'revolucionario' (revolutionary), which might subtly influence the reader's perception of Bermudo and his work. The repeated use of phrases highlighting Bermudo's obscurity and subsequent rediscovery also contributes to the positive framing. More neutral alternatives could include terms like 'innovative,' 'remarkable,' and 'significant' instead of words with stronger positive connotations.
Bias by Omission
While the article details Bermudo's system and its rediscovery, it omits discussion of other contemporary attempts at creating universal languages and how Bermudo's work compares to them. A comparison to other projects could provide a richer context and avoid giving the impression of unique genius. Additionally, it does not include critiques or limitations of Bermudo's system, which could be seen as a form of bias by omission. The article focuses heavily on the rediscovery narrative, potentially overshadowing a more critical analysis of the project's merits and demerits.