Though known best as one of the greatest poets of German Romanticism and the author of the renowned epic Faust, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was also an innovative scientist and well-respected as such in his time. Of his scientific works, most highly prized by contemporary scientists are Goethe’s botanical writings which have become increasingly relevant to modern biologists who are more and more finding a need to appeal to qualitative methods of inquiry. The centerpiece of this course will therefore be Goethe’s Metamorphosis of Plants, a masterwork of empirical observation and creative scientific thinking.
In this course, we will spend our first seminar considering a selection of Goethe’s poems before embarking on a close reading of his Metamorphosis of Plants which we will discuss for two class sessions.
The last two seminars will be devoted to related biological works and essays reflecting on the nature of scientific methodology. The goal of this course is simply to examine and perhaps expand our notions of the purpose and possibilities of science. This course is designed for Science teachers wanting to discuss scientific works in Socratic seminar, Humane Letters teachers wanting to learn more about science, and anyone who just wants to enjoy some really great conversation. No prior knowledge is required, only a desire for study.
This course consists of a series of readings along with regularly scheduled live seminars held on Zoom. All materials and important links can be found on this webpage.
Text: The Metamorphosis of Plants (MIT Press 2024) by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Gordon L. Miller (Photographer) ISBN 13: 978-0262551021
Schedule: June 2nd, 4th, 6th, 9th, 11th, and 13th from 1:00-2:30 PM (AZ time)
Facilitator: Dr. Michael Ivins
GH employees (and affiliate school employees): use voucher code ghemployee (case sensitive) at checkout.
