Goethe's Platonic Natural Philosophy: How Goethean Science Provides an Alternative Conception of the Cosmos

被引:0
作者
Hart, Seth P. [1 ]
机构
[1] Univ Durham, Dept Theol & Relig, Durham DH1 3LE, England
关键词
Goethe; Platonism; science; romanticism; natural philosophy; nature; ethics;
D O I
10.3390/rel15030355
中图分类号
B9 [宗教];
学科分类号
010107 ;
摘要
While popularly known for his works of literature and poetry, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe viewed his lesser-known scientific pieces as his most enduring achievement. I will argue that Goethe's unique scientific methodology is informed by a metaphysical commitment to a form of Platonism and that Goethe provides an intriguing alternative paradigm that unifies science, philosophy, theology, and ethics. I begin by demonstrating how Goethe's concept of the Urphanomen offers a Platonic conception of natural beings. I then briefly outline how this alternative scientific approach ultimately derives from his Platonic commitments. Next, I demonstrate the ethical and spiritual implications of Goethean science, establishing that Goethe's approach bridges the divide between our scientific endeavors and spiritual formation. There is, then, a continued relevance for Goethe in conversations regarding ecological ethics and our perception of nature.
引用
收藏
页数:14
相关论文
共 53 条
  • [1] Altner Gunter., 1987, Goethe and the Sciences: A Reappraisal, P341
  • [2] Amrine Frederick., 2016, Goethe Yearbook 23, P19, DOI DOI 10.1353/GYR.2016.0014
  • [3] Balthasar HansUrs von., 1991, Theology: The Old Covenant. Vol. 6 of The Glory of the Lord: A Theological Aesthetics, V6
  • [4] Bortoft H., 1996, WHOLENESS NATURE GOE
  • [5] Brady R., 1987, Goethe and the sciences, P257
  • [6] Brady R.H., 1998, Goethe's way of science: A phenomenology of nature, P83
  • [7] FEYERABEND PK, 1970, METHODOLOGICAL HERIT, P150
  • [8] Gadamer HansGeorg., 2006, Truth and Method, VSecond
  • [9] Gerson LloydP., 2005, Aristotle and Other Platonists
  • [10] Goethe Johann Wolfgang von., 1988, Goethe: Scientific Studies, P35