Romanticism and the Tyranny of Reason [1.7a]

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As previously discussed, the Enlightenment envisioned a future where reason could be used to stamp out the imperfections of human society, creating lasting peace and prosperity. But can reason go too far? In this episode we examine some of the contradictions of the Enlightenment, noting how they led to an artistic and cultural revolution known as Romanticism. Among other topics, we'll discuss: Frankenstein, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Notre Dame, French fashion during the Napoleonic period and the painters Jacques-Louis David and Caspar David Friedrich.

Contradictions of the Enlightenment: Toleration, Jewish Emancipation (11:01); Race (23:13); Jean-Jacques Rousseau (26:06); Immanuel Kant (33:25); Johann Gottfried Herder (35:50); Neo-classicism (39:39); Romanticism (51:52); Architecture: Gothic, Notre Dame (Paris) (54:04); Literature: Frankenstein (56:57); Painting: Goya, Caspar David Friedrich, (1:02:28)

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