Philosophical poets

A philosophical poet is an author or scholar who employs poetic devices, styles, or forms to explore subjects common to the field of philosophy. Their writing often addresses questions related to the meaning of life, the nature of being (ontology), theories of knowledge and knowing (epistemology), principles of beauty (aesthetics), first principles of things (metaphysics) or the existence of God. Some may make broad philosophical inquires and engage with diverse philosophical topics throughout their poetry, while others may concentrate within one branch of philosophical poetry. For example, Dante is considered by some to be both a philosophical poet, in a general sense, as well as a metaphysical poet.^[1]

Although a group discussion may provide fruitful conditions for some to explore philosophical themes, poetry may be seen an alternative entry into philosophical thinking.^[2] Children and young writers may find it easier to begin writing philosophical poetry if they start by using poetic styles other than rhyme, such as repetitive form, since rhyme can be distracting and may interfere with the free flow of their philosophical thoughts.^[3] Most, but not all, philosophical poets do eventually develop one preferred form of philosophical verse when it comes to the style of their writing.^[4] For example, Rumi and Hafiz often utilize the single verse form, while Dickinson usually adheres to the quatrain form.^[5] Philosophical poets hail from both the Eastern and Western traditions.

Notable Philosophical Poets

• Dante Alighieri^[6]
• Emily Dickinson^[7]
• William Blake^[8]
• T.S. Eliot^[9]
• Hafiz^[10]
• Tulsidas^[11]
• Johann Wolfgang Goethe^[12]
• Lucretius^[13]
• Kay Ryan^[14]
• Rumi^[15]

References