| Basic Concepts: Classicism and Neo-Classicism
The word "classical" refers to the ideal, a norm, or a standard against which everything else in its class must be measured. Patterns which capture the popular taste often enjoy the mantle of a "classic"--the "classic" Chevy (1957 sedan), the "classic" Ford (1964 Mustang), etc. In Western cultural history, "classic" refers to a period of development in two civilizations--the Greek (470-322 B.C.) and the Roman (44 B.C. to approximately 200 A.D.). These periods are so characterized because their values, arts, architecture, legal system, administration, and many other elements came to be recognized in latter-day Europe as the very best that could be achieved through human effort. . The "Neo-Classical Period" is a term that refers to a period of centuries in European cultural history when the enthusiasm for things Greek and Roman came to dominate the tastes of whole nations. The so-called "new Classical Age" began in thirteenth-century Italy and its values gradually swept most of the European continent and finally across the Atlantic to the New England settlements, culminating in the late eighteenth century in the United States. . Two other terms associated with the period is the "Age of Reason" or the "Age of Enlightenment." Generally, the terms designate a shift from scholastic reasoning to rationalism and empirical investigation. It was a dynamic period, marked by growing conflict between ecclesiastical and secular authorities on matters pertaining to the nature of the physical universe. Increasing investigations of the natural world outside the narrow limitations of Christian doctrine fueled even further discord between the "natural philosophers" and the clerics. The Church prelates responded with simplistic "theories" of their own, like their adoption of the "Theory of Castrophism" and their promotion of "the science of creationism" to account for contradictions between doctrine/Biblical "authority" and the uninterrupted data flow about the physical universe. So compelling were the principles of empiricism that the standards employed in investigations by the empiricists were extended to the emerging modern disciplines later to make up the "social sciences." . Some Neo-Classical Elements 1) Reason--Reliance on reason (logic), rather than emotion, to support arguments became one of the defining values. . 2) Nature(Naturalness)--Striving to follow what is "natural" in the physical world suggested patterns for social order. . 3) Universality and the General--Neo-classical emphasis on "universality" and "the general" reflects to criteria for defining "truth." . 4) The Ideal--After Plato's concept of "Ideal Forms," the Neo-classical definition of the "Ideal" acknowledges a pattern that lies behind all living things in the universe; every natural tree is striving to become the "ideal tree." . 5) Form and Order--Neo-classical values emphasize the importance of fixed form and order observable in a universe governed by immutable natural laws. . 6) Things Classical (Greek and Roman)--Neo-classical values had their foundation on Greek and Roman models, collectively referred to as the "Ancients." . 7) Decorum--Neo-classical manners and style emphasized the importance of acting in ways natural to the occasion in support of the well-being of the majority. . Some Neo-Classical Principles 1) Evil results from blindness to natural order and the laws of nature. . 2) Perfection is attainable. . 3) The arts should reflect Greek and Roman forms, patterns, and styles. . 4) All human cultures are essentially the same. . 5) Rationalism and empiricism oust scholasticism as patterns for reasoning. . Some Neo-Classical Literary Conventions 1) Imitate classical forms. . 2) Reflect principles defined in Aristotle's "Poetics." . 3) The subject of art should be universal, elevating, natural, and of general significance. . 4) A work should aspire to epic stature and significance. . 5) Literary works should employ heroic forms, character, and themes. . Online Connections The Internet hosts a number of very useful resources related to the ancient Classical civilizations and Neo-classicism. See "Neo-classicism: General (1750-1880)" a webliography of related sites. For an overview of the Neo-classical musical period, see "Neo-Classicism." For a review of art in the Neo-classical period, see "Neo-classicism and the French Revolution." For a broad, general webliography of the full movement, see "Styles and Movements: Neo-classicism." A most informative resource is "Lecture: The Enlightenment and the Romantic Era." . Our Course Connections The influence of the Neo-Classical Age and its values shaped the American nation from the rationalism inherent in the claims of the "Preamble" to the "Declaration of Independence" to the arguments of the "Federalist Papers" in support of the "United States Constitution." In the arts and literature, the best examples in our readings include the poetry of Anne Bradstreet, Philis Wheatley, and Philip Freneau; the political and social writings of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Thomas Paine; and the philosophical essay, "Age of Reason," by Thomas Paine.  |