In his lecture, Dr. Ekkehard Hintzsche draws parallels and highlights connections between philosophy and chemistry in Goethe's novel *Elective Affinities*.
In his lecture, Dr. Ekkehard Hintzsche from Kühlungsborn draws parallels and highlights connections between philosophy and chemistry in J. W. von Goethe’s novel *Elective Affinities* (1809).
The novel tells the story of Charlotte and Eduard, a couple living in secluded togetherness, whose marriage falls apart with the arrival of two other people. As in a chemical reaction, both spouses experience a strong, mutually reciprocated new attraction. The conflict between desire and reason leads to chaos and ultimately to a tragic end.
How was Goethe able to develop a connection between chemistry and philosophy in his love drama? Goethe used the term “Elective Affinities,” which was common in both chemistry and philosophy at the time.
The Ehm Welk-Haus e.V. Literary Society cordially invites you to this lecture. Look forward to an interesting evening exploring the connections between art and science.
