Ulteriori informazioni
Theory of Colours (original German title Zur Farbenlehre) is a book by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe about the poet's views on the nature of colours and how these are perceived by humans. Published in 1810, it contains detailed descriptions of phenomena such as coloured shadows, refraction, and chromatic aberration.
Goethe's book provides a catalogue of how colour is perceived in a wide variety of circumstances, and considers Isaac Newton's observations to be special cases. Unlike Newton, Goethe's concern was not so much with the analytic treatment of colour, as with the qualities of how phenomena are perceived. Philosophers have come to understand the distinction between the optical spectrum, as observed by Newton, and the phenomenon of human colour perception as presented by Goethe-a subject analyzed at length by Wittgenstein in his exegesis of Goethe in Remarks on Colour.
Info autore
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German writer, poet, playwright, and philosopher, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Western literature. Born on August 28, 1749, in Frankfurt, Germany, he is best known for his works such as Faust, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, and Erlkönig. Goethe's works span a wide range of genres, including drama, poetry, and philosophy, and he was a central figure in the Sturm und Drang literary movement. His writing not only revolutionized German literature but also had a profound impact on political and philosophical thought. Throughout his career, Goethe was influenced by figures such as Friedrich Schiller and William Shakespeare, and his ideas on individuality and the human condition helped shape European intellectual history. Goethe was married to Christiane Vulpius from 1806 until her death in 1816. He spent much of his life in Weimar, Germany, where he died on March 22, 1832, at the age of 82. His legacy continues to influence writers, artists, and thinkers across the globe. His exploration of human nature and existential questions remains relevant in modern cultural and intellectual discussions.
