Herder: (Biblical) Poetry & Philosophy

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to elaborate the place of J.G. Herder’s concept of poetry within his philosophy. Through a discussion of his study of the Old Testament, On the Spirit of Hebrew Poetry, I examine the relationship between J.G. Herder’s poetics and his naturalism. Herder’s hermeneutic, developed in the context of his literary criticism, is at the heart of his philosophy. I interpret Herder’s views on poetry as an integral part of his criticism of 17th century rationalism, and one that he develops in union with the conclusions he draws from philosophy and the natural sciences.