Moral Polarity

Name: Moral Polarity
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work explores the concept of moral polarity, illustrating how political and social movements oscillate between extremes. It posits that when one tendency reaches its peak, a swift transition occurs to its opposite, leading to a cycle of extremes. The author examines historical examples, such as the shift from the mechanico-corpuscular philosophy during the Restoration to the subjective upheaval of the French Revolution, where abstract concepts like the Rights of Man took precedence over tangible realities. The narrative suggests that society is currently at another pivotal moment, where reform movements reflect a tendency to prioritize undefined notions over concrete ideas. The author critiques contemporary political leaders for failing to articulate a clear vision of governance, instead relying on transient emotions and passions. This lack of substantive direction indicates a broader societal trend towards superficiality in political discourse, emphasizing the need for a return to grounded, historical realities in shaping governance and societal values. The exploration of moral polarity serves as a lens to understand the cyclical nature of human thought and societal organization, urging a recognition of the importance of balance between subjective desires and objective truths.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1830 · Genre: Philosophical Essay, Political Commentary, Social Critique · 344 words

First lines

It is curious to trace the operation of the moral law of polarity in the history of politics, religion, &c. When the maximum of one tendency has been attained, there is no gradual decrease, but a direct transition to its minimum, till the opposite tendency has attained its maximum; and then you see another corresponding revulsion. With the Restoration came in all at once the mechanico-corpuscular philosophy, which, with the increase of manufactures, trade, and arts, made every thing in philosophy, religion, and poetry objective; till, at length, attachment to mere external worldliness and forms got to its maximum, -- when out burst the French revolution; and with it every thing became immediately subjective, without any object at all. The Rights of Man, the Sovereignty of the People, were subject and object both. We are now, I think, on the turning point again. This Reform seems the _ne plus ultra_ of that tendency of the public mind which substitutes its own undefined notions or passions for real objects and historical actualities. There is not one of the ministers -- except the one or two revolutionists among them -- who has ever given us a hint, throughout this long struggle, as to _what_ he really does believe will be the product of the bill; what sort of House of Commons it will make for the purpose of governing this empire soberly and safely. No; they have actualized for a moment a wish, a fear, a passion, but not an idea.

What this Textopian page supports

Moral Polarity is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1830 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: 1830 CE
Language: English
Genres: Philosophical Essay, Political Commentary, Social Critique, Historical Analysis, Literary Criticism
Length: 344 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Moral Polarity 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 Moral Polarity?
How does this essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Philosophical Essay first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Philosophical Essay — The work explores complex ideas about moral law and polarity, making it a philosophical discourse.
Political Commentary — It discusses the implications of political changes and revolutions, reflecting on the nature of governance and public sentiment.
Social Critique — The text critiques societal trends and the shift from objective to subjective values in politics and religion.
Historical Analysis — It examines historical events and their moral implications, particularly the Restoration and the French Revolution.