Goethe's way of science
Subtitle: a phenomenology of nature
By: edited by David Seamon, Arthur Zajonc.
Contributors: Seamon, David.; Zajonc, Arthur
Series: Suny series in environmental and architectural phenomenology
Publisher: State University of New York Press; SUNY Press; Brand: State University of New York Press
Published: 1998
Place of publication: Albany, NY
Language: eng
Number of pages: 324
Subjects: Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von, 1749-1832 -- Knowledge -- Science.; Science -- History -- 18th century.; Science -- History -- 19th century.; Philosophy of nature -- History -- 18th century.; Philosophy of nature -- History -- 19th century.; Phenomenology -- History -- 18th century.; Phenomenology -- History -- 19th century.
Description: Though best known for his superlative poetry and plays, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) also produced a sizable body of scientific work that focused on such diverse topics as plants, color, clouds, weather, and geology. Goethe's way of science is highly unusual because it seeks to draw together the intuitive awareness of art with the rigorous observation and thinking of science.

Written by major scholars and practitioners of Goethean science today, this book considers the philosophical foundations of Goethe's approach and applies the method to the real world of nature, including studies of plants, animals, and the movement of water.

Part I discusses the philosophical foundations of the approach and clarifies its epistemology and methodology, Part II applies the method to the real world of nature, and Part III examines the future of Goethean science and emphasizes its great value for better understanding and caring for the natural environment.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.