We commonly associate the Victorian era with religious revivalism, yet many underwent a crisis of faith during this period. The poet and critic Matthew Arnold (1822-88) realised that established religion could no longer counter the impact that rapid industrialisation and trade cycles were inflicting on the poor, nor could it resist the incessant drive for material gain amongst the powerful. Religion, for many, was failing to invest life with purpose:
The sea of faith
Was once, too, at the full, and round earth's shore
Lay like the folds of a bright girdle furl'd; But now I only hear
Its melancholy, long, withdrawing roar, Retreating to the breath
Of the night-wind, down the vast edges drear
And naked shingles of the world.
(From Dover Beach by Matthew Arnold, c.1851.)
Arnold championed literature as the new channel for moral development, convinced of its importance in defining cultural identity and reinforcing social cohesion. He believed that poetry in particular could become the new scripture and elevate literary critics into a new priesthood. His vision introduced an enlightened paternalism into literary criticism, since he expanded the role of critic to include the guardianship of morality and good taste: to introduce, propagate and elucidate great poetry.
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The Two Dennises
Hannah Mortimer observes a close encounter of the same kind.
Heraclitus (c.500 BC)
Harry Keith lets flow a stream of ideas about permanence and change.
Does the Cosmos Have a Purpose?
Raymond Tallis argues intently against universal intention.
Is Driving Fossil-Fuelled Cars Immoral?
Rufus Duits asks when we can justify driving our carbon contributors.
Abelard & Carneades Yes & No
Frank Breslin says 'yes and no' to presenting both sides of an argument.
Frankl & Sartre in Search of Meaning
Georgia Arkell compares logotherapy and atheistic existentialism.
Luce Irigaray
Luce Irigaray, now ninety-two years old, was, among many other things, one of the most impactful feminists of the 1970s liberation movements - before she was marginalised, then ostracised, from the francophone intellectual sphere.
Significance
Ruben David Azevedo tells us why, in a limitless universe, we’re not insignificant.
The Present Is Not All There Is To Happiness
Rob Glacier says don’t just live in the now.
Philosophers Exploring The Good Life
Jim Mepham quests with philosophers to discover what makes a life good.