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851-0301-03L  Goethe: Literature and Natural Science

SemesterSpring Semester 2016
LecturersA. Kilcher
Periodicitynon-recurring course
Language of instructionGerman


AbstractIn addition to literature, Goethe immersed himself in studies of geology, physics and botany. In combining empirical methods with speculations, he conceived a holistic concept of nature. We will analyze and contextualize this concept as to its epistemic status, but also with regard to Goethe's literary works ("Faust", "Wahlverwandschaft", "Weltallroman").
Objective- Analysis of Goethe's writings on the natural sciences
- historical contextualization of these writings around 1800
- understand epistemic connection between Goethe's literary and scientific work
- understand the relation between literature and science with the methods of the history and poetics of knowledge
LiteratureTexts:
- Goethe: Schriften zur Naturwissenschaft. Reclam UB 9866
- Goethe: Faust I. Reclam UB 1
- Goethe: Wahlverwandtschaften. Reclam UB 7835