Art Reboot

87 15 befuddling the intellect Part of my theoretical rejig of art suggests that consciousness is headed towards fulfilment; it has a goal discernible to intellect. There may have been no intention to create or fulfil conscious- ness, but as intellectual beings we can consider whether con- sciousness has a goal, or at least whether it is headed inexorably towards ever greater understanding, and, if so, how to define that. Inclusiveness is essential to the theory presented here: we need to recognise both of our ways of knowing as fundamental to the full bandwidth of consciousness, and focus on achieving, or at least respectfully recognising, the trans-intellectual way of knowing. It is often impossible or difficult to resolve problems at the level of consciousness that gives rise to them. As we progress from level to level of understanding, with paradox as our unerring signpost, we come face to face with the need for the intellect to transcend itself as part of its journey. It is the purpose of the Zen koan to show this to the aspirati. The provocations ‘What is the sound of one hand clapping?’ and ‘Show me the face you had before you were born’ are not meant to be answered literally. They are intended to show that language and the rational realm