Goethe, l'ultimo genio | Goethe Haus

The philosophy of Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet and philosopher, anticipated Romanticism with a unified vision of art, science, and nature, integrating sensory perception and creative intuition.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was not only an eminent poet and man of letters, but also a philosopher. His vision of the world and of knowledge as a unified, holistic experience anticipated many ideas of Romanticism and of modern natural philosophy. His reflections span numerous fields of inquiry, from the theory of organic formation (Bildungstrieb, conceived as a vital force governing the biological cycle of procreation, nutrition, and reproduction) to a conception of art and science as integrated aspects of a single creative impulse.

Goethe anticipated remarkably modern notions of unity between science and philosophy, of a harmonious fusion between sensory perception and creative intuition, thereby founding a model of knowledge that transcends the dichotomy between subject and object.

In his view of art and nature, aesthetic beauty is not mere appearance but the manifestation of universal natural laws. This idea profoundly influenced German Romantic thought. Even today, his ideas continue to inspire studies in the philosophy of science, ecology, and aesthetic theory, emphasizing the importance of knowledge that is integrated and harmoniously organic.

Goethe Haus Palermo

Much more than a holiday home, a one-of-a-kind experience of culture and hospitality.

Via tal dei tali, 

Palermo

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Site Credits