The Riddle of the Universe at the close of the nineteenth century (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Monist Philosophy, Evolutionary Science, and the Secular Challenge to ReligionBy Ernst Haeckel
Length12h 43m
About this audiobook
In The Riddle of the Universe at the Close of the Nineteenth Century, Ernst Haeckel offers a sweeping monistic interpretation of nature, mind, ethics, and religion in light of evolutionary science. Written in a lucid, polemical, and encyclopedic style, the book seeks to dissolve traditional metaphysical dualisms by grounding life and consciousness in matter and natural law. It belongs to the fin-de-siècle tradition of grand scientific syntheses, where Darwinism, positivism, and secular humanism challenged inherited theological worldviews. Haeckel, a German zoologist, comparative anatomist, and influential popularizer of Darwin, brought to this work the authority of a scientist deeply engaged with embryology, morphology, and evolutionary theory. His doctrine of monism reflected both his biological research and his philosophical ambition to unify all knowledge under a single naturalistic framework. The book also bears the imprint of late nineteenth-century debates over materialism, church authority, and the cultural meaning of science. This volume is recommended to readers interested in the history of evolutionary thought, the philosophy of science, and modern secularism. Though some scientific claims are dated, its intellectual boldness remains indispensable for understanding how science became a worldview.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenrePhilosophy
Length12 hrs 43 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 23, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1The Riddle of the Universe at the close of the nineteenth century (Annotated)
2Introduction
3Synopsis
4Historical Context
5PREFACE
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6CHAPTER I THE NATURE OF THE PROBLEM
7CHAPTER II OUR BODILY FRAME
8CHAPTER III OUR LIFE
9CHAPTER IV OUR EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT
10CHAPTER V THE HISTORY OF OUR SPECIES
11CHAPTER VI THE NATURE OF THE SOUL
12CHAPTER VII PSYCHIC GRADATIONS
13CHAPTER VIII THE EMBRYOLOGY OF THE SOUL
14CHAPTER IX THE PHYLOGENY OF THE SOUL
15CHAPTER X CONSCIOUSNESS
16CHAPTER XI THE IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL
17CHAPTER XII THE LAW OF SUBSTANCE
18CHAPTER XIII THE EVOLUTION OF THE WORLD
19I.—MONISTIC COSMOGONY
20II.—MONISTIC GEOGENY
21III.—MONISTIC BIOGENY
22IV.—MONISTIC ANTHROPOGENY
23CHAPTER XIV THE UNITY OF NATURE
24CHAPTER XV GOD AND THE WORLD
25I.—THEISM
26II.—PANTHEISM
27CHAPTER XVI KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF
28CHAPTER XVII SCIENCE AND CHRISTIANITY
29I.—PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY
30II.—PAPAL CHRISTIANITY
31III.—THE REFORMATION
32IV.—THE PSEUDO-CHRISTIANITY OF THE NINETEENTH CENTURY
33CHAPTER XVIII OUR MONISTIC RELIGION
34CHAPTER XIX OUR MONISTIC ETHICS
35CHAPTER XX SOLUTION OF THE WORLD-PROBLEMS
36I.—PROGRESS OF ASTRONOMY
37II.—PROGRESS OF GEOLOGY
38III.—PROGRESS OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
39IV.—PROGRESS OF BIOLOGY
40V.—PROGRESS OF ANTHROPOLOGY
41CONCLUSION
42Analysis
43Reflection
44Memorable Quotes
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