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

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 Goeth...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Religions (Basel, Switzerland ) Switzerland ), 2024-03, Vol.15 (3), p.355
Main Author: Hart, Seth P
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Criticism and interpretation
Expanding universe
God
Goethe
natural philosophy
nature
Personalities
Philosophers
Philosophy
Platonism
Platonists
romanticism
science
Scientists
Theology
Traditions
Citations: Items that this one cites
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Summary: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 Urphänomen 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.
ISSN:2077-1444
2077-1444
DOI:10.3390/rel15030355