Matter can retain Knowledge through its Form

Form is simply the shape of matter, when that shape has an observable, measurable purpose or effect. The philosopher Aristotle first put forth a notion of form similar to this over 2,000 years ago. The most basic example of form exists at the atomic level, in the shape of certain molecules called catalysts.

A form has the following characteristics:

• Creates a measurable effect by setting up a probability or  tendency, over time or in great quantity, in the right environment
• Requires an observer
• Manifests knowledge from the past in the shape of matter, which can then be applied in the present

We have seen what the first two points mean. A catalyst, for example, is defined by its purpose to the observer (e.g. to catalyse), otherwise it would be just another molecule.

But what about the last point? Once again, a catalyst is a good example. Its form must represent (i.e. "know") something about the chemical reactants it helps to bring together, otherwise it would have no effect. Knowledge is thus manifest in the shape of matter. The catalyst "knows" only what it needs to know, and knows no more, about specific chemical reactants, in the same way that a frog knows only about shadows and not about flies.

This point may be expressed more clearly using a different example of form: an axe. An axe is a tool which has been perfected over thousands of years, to achieve the most efficient shape. Its blade is "designed" just so for its purpose. Any slight change in its shape would make it less effective. Its metal is hardened steel, and its handle is made just right for the human hand. Thousands of years of trial and error were required to identify just the right materials and shape for the axe. That time of trial and error (and the wisdom gained) is manifest in its form.

The Human Brain as Form

Another example of form is the human brain. The connections between neurones in our brain change over our lifetime, manifesting our experience in the their shape. As we learn, we encapsulate that knowledge as our form, literally in the shape and interconnections of the neurons in our brain.

A doctor, for example, may go through years of medical school, but he needs to retain his knowledge in his form, otherwise it is left in his past. His brain is literally changed from his education. Thus his time is more valuable in the present, because he can diagnose problems more quickly, as a catalyst can speed chemical reactions. In the same way that Einstein said that matter and energy are equivalent using the equation e = mc², matter and knowledge are also equivalent through form.

The concept of form is important in answering the mind/body problem as well as questions about our own mortality. Because we employ form in every part of our being, the millions of innate daily reactions the inner eye has with the world need only be impressionistic and probabilistic to have the effect of creating our emergent personality. And because we as individuals are form, we create that emergent effect called society.

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