ISBN:
9781139136440
Language:
English
Pages:
1 Online-Ressource (lx, 272 pages)
Edition:
Online-Ausgabe 2012
Series Statement:
Cambridge library collection. Philosophy
DDC:
306.094109034
Keywords:
Culture
;
Great Britain Social conditions 19th century
Abstract:
By the middle of the 19th century, culture was often considered to be nothing but a meaningless 'smattering of Latin and Greek'. In this work, first published in 1869, Matthew Arnold redefines redefines culture as a striving for 'the best that has been thought or said', and as a contrast to 'philistinism' and the over-valuation of the practical. Critical of the uninspiring lifestyles of many of his religious and non-religious contemporaries, he raises the controversial issue of how to lead a good life, aesthetically, intellectually and morally. He introduces a middle road between classical and Judaeo-Christian ideals which promotes the state over the individual, a position that has often prompted his critics to consider him an authoritarian thinker. A fascinating piece of social and political criticism, and an adjunct to Arnold's poetry, this work was both controversial when it was first published.
Note:
Also issued in print: 2011
,
Originally published: London: Smith, Elder and Co., 1869
,
Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (viewed on February 13, 2020)
,
Online-Ausgabe:
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139136440
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