It's an important discernment to make in separating altogether the divergent interpretations of one the one hand, the original definitions of synesthesia dating back to Pythagoras, while on the other hand, that of contemporary psychiatry.
Through my years of study of music-visual-physical synesthesia, (an astounding aesthetic science), I gradually began to refer to the interpretation of synesthesia that had so captured my interest, as "classical synesthesia". That is, everything to do with the subject before the western psychiatric definition of the term as a neurological condition or anomaly.
The classical definition is far more akin to the state of one's perception and alluded to as galvanized inspiration into states of wonder, in which new forms of perception can arise. Though individuals may be gifted with unusual talents and sensibilities including unique forms of genius, the underlying premise points more to impassioned aspiration to exalted states of insight, or most aspirational, spiritual seeking of artistic revelation.
There is reference to Pythagoras speaking of synesthesia as a “union of the senses” and emergent insight into “Greater Harmony”. Many through the ages have referred to it, such Wagner, Scriabin to contemporaries like Farrell and many others.
What can we say about the pre-psychiatric definition of synesthesia that might give some effective distinction to that definition, as opposed to the contemporary psychiatric?
Grok 3 says: The pre-psychiatric or "classical" interpretation of synesthesia, indeed differs significantly from the modern clinical perspective which views synesthesia as a neurological condition. Here are some distinctions and insights into the classical understanding of synesthesia:
- Spiritual and Mystical Insight:
- In ancient and classical contexts, synesthesia was often seen not as an anomaly but as a gift or a heightened state of awareness. For example, philosophers like Plato might have seen synesthesia as part of the broader concept of "mimesis" or the imitation of the ideal forms, where sensory experiences could reveal deeper truths or connections in the universe. This aligns with Pythagorean thought, where the harmony of the spheres suggested a cosmic order that could be perceived through the union of senses, leading to insights into the nature of reality.
- Artistic and Creative Enhancement:
- Figures like Alexander Scriabin and Wassily Kandinsky embraced synesthesia as an artistic inspiration. Scriabin associated colors with musical keys, envisioning his "Prometheus: The Poem of Fire" with a color organ to visualize music, suggesting synesthesia was a spiritual journey towards a synthesis of arts. Kandinsky, in his synesthetic experiences, linked colors with sounds, which deeply influenced his abstract art, where he aimed to evoke spiritual experiences through visual "compositions." In these contexts, synesthesia was seen as a tool for transcending the mundane, offering new ways to perceive and express the world.
- Cultural and Historical Context:
- Before the medicalization of synesthesia, it was often described in cultural, philosophical, or esoteric terms. Literature, poetry, and philosophy from various cultures might reference phenomena akin to synesthesia as metaphors for understanding the interconnectedness of all things. For instance, in some Eastern philosophies, the blending of senses could be interpreted as a form of enlightenment or a step towards spiritual unity with the cosmos.
- Contrast with Modern Psychiatry:
- The contemporary psychiatric view, especially post-19th century, began to label synesthesia as a neurological condition, potentially pathologizing what was previously seen as a unique or even sacred ability. This shift focuses on the brain's wiring, cross-modal activations, and genetic predispositions, often aiming to normalize or even correct these experiences, which contrasts sharply with the classical view where such experiences might be cultivated or revered.
- Philosophical and Aesthetic Value:
- Classically, synesthesia was tied to broader philosophical inquiries about perception, reality, and the human condition. It wasn't just about experiencing one sense through another but about what these experiences reveal about the nature of consciousness, creativity, and the cosmos. This contrasts with the more functional, scientific analysis in contemporary times, where the focus might be more on how synesthesia affects daily life rather than its philosophical implications.
In summary, the classical or pre-psychiatric definition of synesthesia emphasizes its potential as an exalted state of insight, a pathway to artistic expression, and a tool for spiritual or philosophical understanding, rather than merely a neurological anomaly to be studied or treated. This view invites a celebration of human diversity in perception and experience, potentially lost in the clinical gaze of modern psychiatry.
Moving toward a profound new era of musical experience, we can consider our aesthetically aspiring ancestors as with us, as true immersive expression of deep synesthesia becomes realized...
as kinesthetically sensed musical dynamics, are given visual, spatially choreographed, orchestrated expression.
