Romanticism and Science: Insights from 19th Century Literature
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Chapter 1: Understanding Romanticism
It is overly simplistic to claim that Romanticism was in complete opposition to the Enlightenment and rational thought. The poets of the Romantic era would likely have contested this notion. A contributing factor to this misconception is our misunderstanding of the role of poetry in the 19th century. Poetry was often regarded as equally, if not more, significant than other forms of rational discourse, serving as a medium for critiquing philosophical and scientific thought.
Richard Tarnas, in his work The Passion of the Western Mind, describes how two distinct cultural currents emerged from the Renaissance: one rooted in the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, emphasizing rationality and secularism, and the other represented by Romanticism, which focused on sensuality, spirituality, and non-rational forms of understanding.
It’s important to note that the Romantic poets did not consciously identify with what we now label as the Romantic movement, a term applied during the Victorian period. This observation has significant implications for how we interpret the attitudes and viewpoints of these poets toward science. They were not part of a cohesive group that uniformly approached any particular issue.
Section 1.1: The Dynamic Nature of Science
Conversely, we should avoid making sweeping generalizations about science itself, as it was not a rigid, established field but rather a complex and evolving phenomenon with social dimensions. While Romantic writers did indeed react against the empiricism of early scientists and philosophers like Newton and Locke, they were also inspired by contemporary advancements in fields such as chemistry and electricity, where phenomena had been observed but not fully understood. This air of mystery and potential captivated their imaginations.
The first video titled "Romanticism" explores the fundamental characteristics of this movement, highlighting its emphasis on emotion and nature.
Subsection 1.1.1: Poetic Critique of Empiricism
Romantic writers critiqued the reductionist view of empirical science, which perceived all natural phenomena, including humans, as mere components of a machine. From the Romantic perspective, this mechanical viewpoint failed to capture the world's richness and splendor. However, discoveries that hinted at new possibilities appealed to their sense of wonder and the belief in something beyond mere empirical evidence.
Just as they did not see themselves as part of a unified movement, the Romantics likely did not view their critiques of Newton and other scientists as an outright opposition to science. Instead, they sought to present an alternative vision of a more comprehensive understanding of the world. This perspective was facilitated by the high regard in which poetry was held in their time.
Section 1.2: The Reverence for Language
The perception of language in the 19th century differs significantly from contemporary views. Nowadays, speech is often seen as distinct from action, while historically, language commanded greater respect and was believed to possess tangible power. For instance, the act of “giving your word” carried more weight in the 19th century than it does today.
This reverence for poetry extended beyond language itself; it encompassed a specific approach to using language. Percy Bysshe Shelley expressed that any meaningful intellectual pursuit was essentially poetic. He argued in A Defence of Poetry that the authors of revolutions in thought are inherently poets, just as Shakespeare and Milton are seen as profound philosophers.
Chapter 2: Nature as a Source of Knowledge
The second video titled "What is Romanticism?" provides an overview of the movement, detailing its core principles and influence on subsequent art and literature.
Romanticism often preferred nature over scientific or academic endeavors as a source of knowledge. Wordsworth, in his poem "The Tables Turned," emphasizes this preference, suggesting that nature brings wisdom that our intellect can distort. The evocative line "We murder to dissect" critiques the scientific method, illustrating a deep skepticism toward the reductionist approach.
This perspective is echoed in the works of other Romantic poets. Blake, for instance, rejected the scientific paradigm, especially figures like Newton and Locke. However, later Romantic poets such as Shelley and Keats exhibited more nuanced attitudes towards science, perhaps reflecting the field's evolution. Coleridge engaged with contemporary philosophers but often expressed his thoughts in a way that merged literature and philosophy, making his insights somewhat elusive.
The late 18th and early 19th centuries were marked by significant upheaval and social unrest in Britain, driven by rapid industrialization and its consequences, including unemployment and riots. The government's harsh suppression of dissent led to a form of internal revolution, which manifested in the spiritual and literary movement of Romanticism.
Romanticism, then, serves as a model for non-violent resistance through creative expression. For instance, in a recent interview, Romanian poet Radu Vancu likened protests against government injustices to a poem, illustrating how collective action can resonate like a powerful work of art.
The timelessness of Romantic poetry lies in its ability to transcend immediate reactions to contemporary issues. Shelley articulated this notion in A Defence of Poetry, suggesting that poetry develops new interpretations of eternal truths over time. This quality renders Romantic poetry not just a reaction to its era but a celebration of nature and beauty, offering a sense of sanctuary amid change.
In conclusion, the Romantic poets did not reject science outright; rather, they engaged with it while advocating for the essential role of poetry in understanding the world. Shelley’s engagement with scientific ideas, particularly in works like Alastor, reveals a complex relationship with knowledge and human connection, emphasizing that the pursuit of science devoid of emotional and poetic insight can lead to tragic outcomes.
The legacy of Romanticism reminds us of the importance of intertwining scientific inquiry with the profound human experiences that poetry encapsulates.