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"Theory of Colours" is a scientific and philosophical work by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the renowned German writer and polymath, published in 1810. Unlike traditional scientific treatises on color, Goethe's work is a departure from the Newtonian approach and delves into a more holistic and subjective exploration of the phenomenon of color.

The book is structured into three parts. In the first part, Goethe critiques the prevalent Newtonian color theory, which posited that white light could be broken down into a spectrum of colors through a prism. Goethe disagreed with this reductionist approach and argued that color was not just a physical property of light but was also influenced by human perception and psychology.

In the second part, Goethe presents his own theory of colors, which is grounded in a qualitative understanding of color phenomena. He explores the psychological and emotional effects of different colors and describes how they interact with one another. Goethe introduces the idea of a color wheel based on the psychological experience of colors, rather than their physical properties. He also discusses the concept of "color harmony" and the symbolic meanings associated with different colors.

The third part of the book is more empirical, as Goethe describes a series of experiments he conducted to support his theories. However, these experiments are often criticized for lacking the rigor and objectivity of contemporary scientific methods.

One of the key contributions of Goethe's "Theory of Colours" is its emphasis on the subjective and experiential aspects of color perception. Goethe's approach anticipates later developments in color theory and psychology, particularly the recognition of the cultural and psychological influences on how individuals perceive and interpret colors.

While Goethe's work was initially met with skepticism and criticism from the scientific community of his time, it has gained appreciation over the years for its unique perspective and its influence on later thinkers and artists. "Theory of Colours" remains a significant work that bridges the realms of science, philosophy, and aesthetics, offering a rich exploration of the complexities of the human experience of color.


Intro 00:00:00
PART I. 00:15:35
PART II. 01:21:09
PART III. 04:15:43
PART IV. 05:40:09
PART V. 05:52:50
PART VI. 06:19:23
More: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Color Theory, Optical Phenomena
Subjective Perception, Light and Darkness, The Four Elements
The Seven Colors, Contrast and Harmony, Psychological Effects
Art and Nature, Visual Perception

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