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Romanticism: The Alternative to the Enlightenment
by Rick Brainard
Romanticism was in direct competition with the Enlightenment because emotional self-awareness was the foundation of Romantic philosophy. This awareness helped man to understand the condition of society. The Romantics believed that in order to improve society and better the human condition, man must be in touch with his emotions. Romanticism rejected philosophy of the Enlightenment.
The Romantic philosophy, unlike its counterpart held that nature was not an object for manipulation and study. Nature was an experience. Once experienced the individual becomes in tune with his feelings. It was the individuals experience and his self-awareness that helped him to create moral values. Nature could then be reordered around these values. It would eventually be applied to the social ills of the day. For a better understanding of Romanticism as a movement and the different philosophy proposed by the Romantics, take a look at these interesting resources. - The Three Theses of Romanticism
This page outlines the three basic tenets of Romanticism. Here you will notice the difference between Romantic and Enlightened thought. - Romanticism
Roger Jones gives a good general overview of what Romanticism was and who the major contributors to the movement were. - The Romantic Era
A lecture on the Romantic Era by Steven Kreis that describes Romanticism, its philosophy and its conflicts with the Enlightenment. He includes links to information on the Romantics. - Jean Jacques Rousseau
This is a biography of Rousseau from the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy website. - The Confessions
This is autobiography of Rousseau. In it you will learn about his ideas and thoughts on the passions. - Kant on The Web
Kant was another major philosopher who wrote against the Enlightenment. This sight is the place to go when you want to learn all about Kant. It contains resources and links to his works. - George Hegel
Hegel is best known for his theological approach to history. Read about his life and work from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy site designed and implemented by Edward N. Zalta.
See Also:
The
Philosophy Net Links Section.
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