GOETHE AGAINST NEWTON: FROM MEDIEVAL OCCULTISM TO MODERN SCIENCE (II)

Abstract

Goethe’s rejection of Newtonian theory of colors is a striking example of the vulnerability of the human mind - however brilliant it might be - to fanaticism. After an analysis of Goethe’s persistent fascination with magic and occultism, of his education, existential experiences, and idiosyncrasies, the authors propose an original interpretation of his anti-Newtonian position, partially based on refences accessible only in Romanian.

Keywords

• original phenomena
• pantheism
• miodesopsy
• phosphene
• light scattering