Coleridge's Philosophy

Name: Coleridge's Philosophy
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work presents a philosophical system aimed at harmonizing various fields of knowledge, asserting that each existing system contains fragments of truth that, when viewed in isolation, lead to errors. The author seeks to elevate these systems to a higher perspective, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of their truths and errors. This approach is likened to the transition from an earth-centered to a sun-centered view in astronomy, illustrating how a shift in perspective can reveal a fuller understanding of reality. The author expresses a desire to connect natural history with political history, striving to make history scientific and science historical. This integration aims to eliminate the randomness of historical events and the determinism often associated with scientific inquiry. The author reflects on personal experiences with illness, noting a lack of fear of death and a strong desire to complete philosophical work. Despite physical suffering, intellectual capabilities remain intact, though there is a reluctance to engage in writing during such times. This tension between mental clarity and physical discomfort underscores the struggle to articulate philosophical insights. The text emphasizes the importance of a holistic view of knowledge, advocating for a synthesis that acknowledges the validity of various perspectives while transcending their limitations. The ultimate goal is to create a unified framework that encompasses the complexities of both human experience and the natural world, fostering a deeper understanding of existence.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1848 · Genre: Philosophy, Literary Criticism, Metaphysics · 545 words

First lines

My system, if I may venture to give it so fine a name, is the only attempt, I know, ever made to reduce all knowledges into harmony. It opposes no other system, but shows what was true in each; and how that which was true in the particular, in each of them became error, _because_ it was only half the truth. I have endeavoured to unite the insulated fragments of truth, and therewith to frame a perfect mirror. I show to each system that I fully understand and rightfully appreciate what that system means; but then I lift up that system to a higher point of view, from which I enable it to see its former position, where it was, indeed, but under another light and with different relations; -- so that the fragment of truth is not only acknowledged, but explained. Thus the old astronomers discovered and maintained much that was true; but, because they were placed on a false ground, and looked from a wrong point of view, they never did, they never could, discover the truth -- that is, the whole truth. As soon as they left the earth, their false centre, and took their stand in the sun, immediately they saw the whole system in its true light, and their former station remaining, but remaining as a part of the prospect. I wish, in short, to connect by a moral _copula_ natural history with political history; or, in other words, to make history scientific, and science historical -- to take from history its accidentality, and from science its fatalism.

What this Textopian page supports

Coleridge's Philosophy is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1848 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1848 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophy, Literary Criticism, Metaphysics, History, Theology
Length: 545 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Coleridge's Philosophy by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Coleridge's Philosophy?
How does this essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Philosophy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Philosophy — The work presents a systematic attempt to unify various knowledge systems and explore the nature of truth.
Literary Criticism — Coleridge analyzes and critiques existing philosophical systems, highlighting their truths and errors.
Metaphysics — The text delves into the fundamental nature of reality and existence, discussing concepts of truth and perception.
History — Coleridge aims to connect natural history with political history, indicating a historical perspective in his philosophical discourse.