About the book
Santayana's argument for the unity of philosophy and poetry.
This concise and compelling volume—described by Santayana as a “piece of literary criticism, together with a first broad lesson in the history of philosophy”—introduces Santayana's thought in the rich context of a European poetic tradition that demonstrates his broad conception of philosophy. Rejecting both the Platonic opposition of philosophy and poetry and more recent attempts to reduce philosophy to science, Santayana argues that philosophy and poetry at their best are united in articulating a comprehensive vision of the world that permits honest contemplation of the universe. He considers the ideal visions of three artists: Lucretius's naturalism provides a total perspective on the physical world but renders experience monotonous; Dante's supernaturalism provides a total perspective on experience but subordinates nature to morality; Goethe's romanticism provides a dramatic perspective on nature and experience but lacks totality. Santayana sees each as the best in his own way, though none is best in all ways; and he speculates that the ideal poet would integrate the gifts and insights of all three, resulting in “rational art,” of which philosophical poetry is a prime example.
This critical edition, volume VIII of The Works of George Santayana, includes notes, textual commentary, lists of variants and emendations, an index, and other tools useful to Santayana scholars.
Editions of Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780262551823
Read an Excerpt
Santayana's argument for the unity of philosophy and poetry.
This concise and compelling volume—described by Santayana as a “piece of literary criticism, together with a first broad lesson in the history of philosophy”—introduces Santayana's thought in the rich context of a European poetic tradition that demonstrates his broad conception of philosophy. Rejecting both the Platonic opposition of philosophy and poetry and more recent attempts to reduce philosophy to science, Santayana argues that philosophy and poetry at their best are united in articulating a comprehensive vision of the world that permits honest contemplation of the universe. He considers the ideal visions of three artists: Lucretius's naturalism provides a total perspective on the physical world but renders experience monotonous; Dante's supernaturalism provides a total perspective on experience but subordinates nature to morality; Goethe's romanticism provides a dramatic perspective on nature and experience but lacks totality. Santayana sees each as the best in his own way, though none is best in all ways; and he speculates that the ideal poet would integrate the gifts and insights of all three, resulting in “rational art,” of which philosophical poetry is a prime example.
This critical edition, volume VIII of The Works of George Santayana, includes notes, textual commentary, lists of variants and emendations, an index, and other tools useful to Santayana scholars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8 about?
Santayana's argument for the unity of philosophy and poetry.
This concise and compelling volume—described by Santayana as a “piece of literary criticism, together with a first broad lesson in the history of philosophy”—introduces Santayana's thought in the rich context of a European poetic tradition that demonstrates his broad conception of philosophy. Rejecting both the Platonic opposition of philosophy and poetry and more recent attempts to reduce philosophy to science, Santayana argues that philosophy and poetry at their best are united in articulating a comprehensive vision of the world that permits honest contemplation of the universe. He considers the ideal visions of three artists: Lucretius's naturalism provides a total perspective on the physical world but renders experience monotonous; Dante's supernaturalism provides a total perspective on experience but subordinates nature to morality; Goethe's romanticism provides a dramatic perspective on nature and experience but lacks totality. Santayana sees each as the best in his own way, though none is best in all ways; and he speculates that the ideal poet would integrate the gifts and insights of all three, resulting in “rational art,” of which philosophical poetry is a prime example.
This critical edition, volume VIII of The Works of George Santayana, includes notes, textual commentary, lists of variants and emendations, an index, and other tools useful to Santayana scholars.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8?
Philosophy and Religion > Philosophy
Where can I read a sample of Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780262551823
Is Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8 part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The Works of George Santayana
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8?
David E. Spiech, George Santayana, Kellie Dawson
Who is the Publisher of the book Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8?
MIT Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Three Philosophical Poets: Lucretius, Dante, and Goethe, critical edition, Volume 8 is available as paperback(ISBN 9780262551823)
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