NeoClassicism Romanticism

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Comparison of Neo-Classicism and Romanticism*

 Neo-Classicism
 Romanticism
Theory of Reality
(Metaphysics)
 Dualism: Supernature/Nature
Mind and matter
 Monism:
Nature: the universe is unity.
Theory of Knowledge (Epistemology)
 Reason (objective)
 Intuition (subjective)
Religion
 Theism and Deism

Theism – belief in a personal God. Anthropomorphic concept as revealed in Bible

Deism – God as First Cause whose effect is the Universe
Pantheism

Universe itself is divine, permeated by divine spirit
Ethics
 Original Sin

Humans must live by reason and are responsible
 Natural Goodness

Humans do evil when they depart from nature and/or are corrupted by social institutions.
Psychology
 Rationalism
reason dominates/emotions are suspect
 Sentimentalism
emotions as guide
Society
 Civilization: product of reason and intellect
Urban society ideal: best minds brought together
Rise of middle class and popular patronage
 Nature is best society

Preference for Solitude
Social Reform
 Conservatism

“Whatever is is right” –Alexander Pope
 Radicalism
Aesthetics
 Objectivity
Rationalism
Authority/Tradition
Truth
Uniformity
Aristocratic diction
 Subjectivity
Emotionalism
Originality
Pleasure
Variety
Democratic diction

*Pennel, Melissa. “Resources for 18th Century Material.” Amlit Traditions, University of Massachussets, Lowel. Accessed 22, September 2011. http://amlit-traditions--coursepage-f11.wiki.uml.edu/Resources+for+18th+Century+Material