(I trust this is in the right section, if the Mods should feel free to place it wherever)
There has been much discussion on math, ratios, phi, and intent on various matters here.
While reflecting on this approach I came up with, what I believe, is a beautiful example of the conundrum. I hope any/everyone feels free to participate.
Subject, the human face.
Concept; It is well documented the human face, and attributes thereof, reach a rating of more "beautiful" the greater the number of ratios involved end up Phi, the Golden Ratio, or Fibonacci for the purists.
[
www.intmath.com]
The flash interactive at the bottom is an excellent way to compare ratios.
[
library.thinkquest.org]
Now the question to set the hypothesis;
1) The vast majority of people looking at a beautiful face would not understand WHY the ratios worked, or even that ratios were in play. Their understanding should be limited only to seeing the face as attractive...
Therefore does the ratio describe what we naturally find attractive? Or does the ratio measure what we already found attractive?
2) If something is designed beautifully, or beautiful through serendipity luck, does that in any way PROVE intent?
In short, how many of those people intentionally made their faces those ratios to appear beautiful?
(Please don't mistake this for a barb, I assume plastic surgeons make a deliberate effort to work the face towards some of these golden ratios, and therefore at least SOME of the beautiful faces we see were intentionally made so.)
I will withhold my own statements until I see if any are interested in discussing this.
Jammer