Taking Appearance Seriously: The Dynamic Way of Seeing in Goethe and European Thought - Softcover

Henri Bortoft

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0863159273 ISBN 13: 9780863159275

Publisher: Floris Books, 2012

Synopsis

The history of western metaphysics from Plato onwards is dominated by the dualism of being and appearance. What something really is (its true being) is believed to be hidden behind the 'mere appearances' through which it manifests. Twentieth-century European thinkers radically overturned this way of thinking. 'Appearance' began to be taken seriously, with the observer participating in the dynamic event of perception. In this important book, Henri Bortoft guides us through this dynamic way of seeing, exploring issues including how we distinguish things, how we find meaning, and the relationship between thought and words. Expanding the scope of his previous book, The Wholeness of Nature, Bortoft shows how Goethean insights combine with this dynamic way of seeing in continental philosophy, to offer an actively experienced 'life of meaning'. This book will be of interest to anyone who wants to understand the contribution and wider implications of modern European thought in the world today.

About this title

Review:

'Henri Bortoft is one of the world's foremost experts on Goethean science... This is a seminal text that deserves the widest audience.'
- Scientific and Medical Network

'A rare philosophical work of both outstanding quality and immense practicality.'
- Simon Robinson, Editor of Transition Consciousness, Resurgence & Ecologist

'Through his carefully crafted prose Bortoft takes us on an incredible journey in which we learn to shift the focus of our attention away from our common-sense view of a fragmented world of subjects and objects, into our experiencing of what we experience...The genius of [the book] lies in Bortoft's ability to extend his previous work on the science of Goethe, guiding us into a deeper level of perception, i.e. this dynamic way of seeing.'
- Resurgence

'Bortoft's aim is to help readers see and understand the world and human experience in a more integrated, compelling way... Bortoft demonstrates convincingly the need to shift attention from what is experienced to the experience of what is experienced. In a writing style that is both accessible and penetrating, he shows how to do this by drawing on examples from our experience of meaning, understanding and language.'
- David Seamon, Professor at Kansas State University, and Editor of Environmental and Architectural Phenomenology

About the Author:

Henri Bortoft (1938-2012) was a physicist with an interest in the history of science and continental philosophy. He authored the well-received book, The Wholeness of Nature: Goethe's Way of Science (Floris Books, 1996, 2005).

About this edition

• Publisher: Floris Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0863159273
• ISBN 13: 9780863159275
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 240