William Blake as Natural Philosopher, 1788-1795

William Blake, an English poet and artist, was a natural philosopher who explored themes such as the physical world, the soul, and God's relationship to the material universe in his illuminated works. This book explores the development of his philosophical thought from monist pantheism to idealism and argues that pantheism is essential to understanding his early works because it promotes an ethics that respects the interconnected divinity of all material objects.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2021
Publisher: Anthem Press

William Blake, a visionary poet and artist, embraced the role of a natural philosopher in his early illuminated works, seeking to be understood in this capacity. Through his poetry and visual art, Blake sought to explore philosophical ideas in an imaginative and profound way. His works consistently delve into the depths of eighteenth-century natural philosophical debates, encompassing topics such as the nature of the physical world, the essence of the soul, and the relationship between God and the material universe.

This captivating book delves into the historical trajectory of these debates, examining the images and ideas found in Blake's illuminated books. It traces the evolution of his philosophical thought, from the early stages of monist pantheism, which posits that every material thing is essentially God, to the later period of idealism, where the natural world is portrayed as degenerate and illusory. The book challenges the notion of Blake's philosophical thought as monolithic and emphasizes the significance of pantheism in understanding his early works. Pantheism, as advocated by Blake, entails an ethical framework that reveres the interconnected divinity of all material objects, transcending the boundaries of human consciousness. It rejects hierarchical power structures and promotes a sense of interconnectedness and equality among all beings.

Through his poetry and visual art, William Blake offered a unique perspective on the world, challenging traditional notions of religion, philosophy, and the nature of reality. His legacy continues to inspire and provoke thought, reminding us of the power of imagination and the importance of seeking deeper understanding of the world around us.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785279515