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What is the philosophy of Romanticism

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tjcberman@gmail.com

Romanticism is a philosophical and artistic movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the sublime. Key ideas include:

1. Emotion over Reason: Prioritizes feelings, intuition, and imagination over rationalism and logic.

2. Nature: Reveres nature as a source of beauty, inspiration, and spiritual renewal.

3. Individualism: Celebrates personal freedom, self-expression, and the uniqueness of the individual.

4. The Sublime: Focuses on awe-inspiring, overwhelming experiences that transcend ordinary reality.

5. Critique of Industrialization: Often critiques the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and urbanization.

Thinkers like Rousseau and poets like Wordsworth and Shelley exemplify Romantic ideals.

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Explanation

The Sublime

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tjcberman@gmail.com

The concept of the sublime, while compelling, can be critiqued for its reliance on subjective experience, which risks being overly vague or inaccessible. It emphasizes overwhelming, awe-inspiring moments, but this focus can neglect the value of ordinary, everyday experiences that also shape human life.

Additionally, the sublime often glorifies nature's power, potentially overshadowing the need for practical engagement with environmental issues. By privileging the extraordinary, it may inadvertently alienate those who find meaning in the mundane or struggle to access such transcendent experiences.

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