“Negative Capability” is a concept coined by the Romantic poet John Keats, as put down in a letter his brothers1, discussed and interpreted by scholars over and over again. On one hand it provides a desirable quality every poet should be in possession of, on the other hand it is to hold the almost presumptuous ability to solve - alongside imagination- the huge epistemological challenges of subject- object- relation and the constitution of reality. Even though Keats himself didn’t write any explicit work on his literary theory or poetical concept, his approach to poetry and its aesthetic function can be traced back in his poems and letters. There he openly addresses his attitudes as they are also expressed, sometimes between the lines, throughout his poetry. Only it seems that Keats changed his notions and ideas at times, some of his convictions can rather be seen as temporary spots of light in the ongoing process of the pursuit of knowledge than a real enlightenment. This actually mirrors Keats’s statement s about the acquisition of knowledge in a very precise way; that this whole task was enveloped in fuzz and uncertainty, where truth appeared in sparks of epiphany but could never be considered full and complete, absolute knowledge. It is thus enclosed in a developing process that leads ever higher and forwards to a state of further and deeper understanding. In this paper I am going to approach Keats’s ways and convictions in the search for knowledge and will take up the challenge of placing him in regard to his epistemology and closely related aesthetic theory. First of all I am going to work out in how far Keats can be understood as an heir of his time. How was he to understand and write about a world that had just been shaken by hopes and disappointments of the French Revolution that brought about a whole new concept of liberty, rights of the individual and anti- dogmatism? I will also show how his scepticism is a direct reaction to and consequent continuation of Enlightenment that worshipped the idealized intellect and reason. When considering the socio- cultural context in which Keats grew up, I hold it important to touch upon the philosophical theories of his time; mainly German Idealism had a great impact of thought in theses decades, whether Keats had read them (which can be doubted2) and had been conscious of their influence or not.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Keats and his Socio- Historical Context
2.1. The Heritage of Enlightenment
2.2. Philosophical Zeitgeist and German Idealism
2.2.1. Empiricism and Rationalism
2.2.2. Reconciliation in German Idealism
2.3. Foundation of Aesthetics as Scientific Discipline
3. Approach to Keats’s Epistemology
3.1. Scepticism and Pursuit of Knowledge
3.2. Keats’s ‘Religion’ of Beauty
3.3. Imagination and Negative Capability as Medium for Synthesis
4. Keats’s Theory of Art and his Poems
4.1. Holistic harmony as Programmatic Concept
4.1.1. Keats and holistic art tradition- excurse to Surrealism
4.2. The Function of Poesy- “Sleep and Poetry”
5. Limitations, Ambiguities and Inconsistencies of Keats’s Concept
5.1. Metaphysically Complemented Empiricism
5.2. The Concept of Beauty as ‘Accidental Truth’
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Topics
This academic paper examines the epistemological framework of the Romantic poet John Keats, exploring how he navigates the crisis of knowledge and faith in the post-Enlightenment era. The research investigates how Keats constructs a secular "religion of beauty" to replace traditional metaphysical certainties, using the concepts of "Negative Capability" and imagination to achieve a synthesis between the subject and the object in an increasingly secularized world.
- The influence of Enlightenment thought and German Idealism on Keats's worldview.
- Keats's skeptical epistemology and the search for truth through sensual experience.
- The aesthetic function of "poesy" as a means of reconciliation and knowledge acquisition.
- Parallels between Keats's holistic art tradition and 20th-century French Surrealism.
- Critical analysis of the contradictions and ambiguities inherent in Keats's concept of beauty.
Excerpt from the Book
3.2. Keats’s ‘Religion’ of Beauty
As Keats is convinced that higher truth cannot be known with certainty, he turns to experience and sensual perception, upon which he bases his epistemology. In alignment with Heine, he starts out in the here and now which is to be enjoyed and affirmed, and which is independent from any supreme, transcendental existence. The “principle of beauty in all things” becomes the foundation of Keats’s object- definition. This principle inherent to all things can be brought about by a mind’s “ardent pursuit”. All things can be turned into something beautiful, even if not visible yet. And where beauty emerges with the help of the human facility of imagination, truth manifests itself. “What the imagination seizes as Beauty must be truth”, is how Keats described the relationship of aesthetics and knowledge, the very core of his epistemology. In resemblance to German Idealism, a human facility is needed to bring about and to grasp reality; to contribute to the things around in order to make them rise into their state of perfection and adorable beauty.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research focus on Keats’s concept of "Negative Capability" and his epistemological approach to poetry as a search for knowledge.
2. Keats and his Socio- Historical Context: Analyzes the post-revolutionary intellectual climate, including the impact of Enlightenment skepticism and German Idealism on Keats's thought.
3. Approach to Keats’s Epistemology: Examines Keats's skeptical openness and his attempt to establish a "religion of beauty" as a solution to the epistemological crisis of his time.
4. Keats’s Theory of Art and his Poems: Discusses the function of poetry in achieving a synthesis of the real and ideal, drawing analogies to the surrealist tradition.
5. Limitations, Ambiguities and Inconsistencies of Keats’s Concept: Addresses the contradictions in Keats's philosophy, particularly the tension between his empiricism and his reliance on metaphysical "accidental truth."
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the findings, confirming that Keats’s epistemological struggle creates a unique, albeit ambiguous, bridge between the secular and the transcendent.
Keywords
John Keats, Epistemology, Romanticism, Negative Capability, Aesthetics, Beauty, Imagination, German Idealism, Truth, Poesy, Scepticism, Synthesis, Enlightenment, Surrealism, Subject-Object Relation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The work investigates the epistemological convictions of John Keats, analyzing how he perceives the pursuit of knowledge and truth within his poetry and letters.
What are the primary thematic areas?
Key themes include the shift from traditional religious dogmas to a secular religion of beauty, the role of imagination in shaping reality, and the synthesis of thought and feeling.
What is the main research question?
The paper asks how Keats, as a skeptic, addresses the epistemological challenges of his time and attempts to attain a holistic understanding of truth through art.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author employs a comparative and interpretive approach, contextualizing Keats within his socio-historical era while relating his concepts to German Idealist philosophy and surrealist theory.
What does the main body of the text cover?
The body analyzes the socio-historical heritage of the Enlightenment, Keats's specific epistemological tools, his theory of art, and the inherent contradictions in his quest for absolute knowledge.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The paper is best defined by terms such as Negative Capability, Epistemology, Aesthetics, Imagination, Romanticism, and Truth-function.
How does Keats view the relationship between art and reality?
Keats suggests that art, specifically poetry, allows the imagination to bridge the gap between subject and object, creating a "transcended" reality through beauty.
What is the significance of the "Vale of Soul-making"?
It represents Keats's belief that suffering and earthly struggle are necessary conditions for the formation of a mature, conscious self, which is essential for grasping higher truth.
- Quote paper
- Andrea Heß (Author), 2005, An epistemological approach to John Keats and the truth-function of his poetry, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/45008
