Civilisation EP11 ⟩ “The Worship of Nature”
Hosted by The Chicago Philosophy Meetup
Details
The Romantic era signaled a monumental shift away from the rigid boundaries of Cartesian dualism, embracing instead a more fluid dualism or even a form of monism. This transformation sought to unearth the profound interconnections between the human psyche and the natural environment.
Join us in this week’s episode of Civilisation, “The Worship of Nature,” as we delve into this remarkable turning point in human thought. For the first time, emotions, thoughts, and sensations were perceived not as elements detached from physical existence but as phenomena emerging from, or deeply rooted in, the very stuff of nature itself.
The episode begins with Christianity’s decline in Western civilization during the 18th century, replaced by a fascination with nature’s divinity. The ruins of religion merged with nature, inspiring poets and shaping landscapes. English gardens symbolize a critical shift towards nature’s allure.
The focus then shifts to Rousseau, whose love for Swiss lakes and alpine valleys challenged traditional views of mountains, leading to a philosophy of unity with nature, transcending reason.
The episode moves on to the cult of sensibility, exploring the complex relationship between sensation and nature. Rousseau’s belief in nature’s beauty contrasts with the grotesque perspective of the Marquis de Sade, emphasizing the multifaceted human experience.
Next is the world of English Romantic poets and painters, where nature’s divinity envelops both art and poetry. Coleridge and Wordsworth express a desire to connect with the sublime, complemented by Friedrich’s landscape paintings. Wordsworth’s shift from youthful zeal to immersion in nature symbolizes a healing path, challenged by societal norms. Turner and Constable’s portrayal of ordinary scenes represents a transformation in art, reflecting nature’s moral grandeur.
The episode culminates in the exploration of perception as an object itself. Turner’s absorption in light and color challenges our perception of solidity, transforming all into pure color. His innovative approach aligns with thinkers like Rousseau and Goethe. The sky becomes a convergence for nature worship, symbolizing reconciliation and mystique. Impressionism, following Turner’s legacy, centers on light, with artists like Monet and Renoir altering our perception.
The echoes of Romanticism clearly still shape us today. Far from an outdated phase in the evolution of Geist, this period marked a fundamental change in how we perceive and relate to the natural world. Join us as we delve into the emergence of this significant shift, and discuss its enduring impact, appeal, and relevance.
Sample Quote
“I realised,” Rousseau said, “that our existence is nothing but a succession of moments perceived through the senses. I feel, therefore I am.”
METHOD
Please watch the episode before the event. We will then replay a few short clips during the event to refresh our memories for debate and discussion. A high-def version of this episode with remastered audio and enriched subtitles can be found here:
And study materials, including tables, timelines, and interactive art exploring pages, can be found here:
Video Table of Contents
Belief in the divinity of nature, Clark argues, usurped Christianity's position as the chief creative force in Western civilisation and ushered in the Romantic movement. Clark visits Tintern Abbey and the Alps and discusses the landscape paintings of Turner and Constable.
- The Ruins of Religion
- Rousseau
- The Cult of Sensibility
- Wordsworth
- Constable
- Turner
- The Sky
- Impressionism.