The Thomistic Institute
Tolkein's Philosophy | Prof. Robert Koons
Oct 29, 2024
Robert Koons, a philosophy professor at the University of Texas at Austin, delves into J.R.R. Tolkien's philosophical influences. He discusses how the Inklings and Owen Barfield shaped Tolkien's Christianized Aristotelian thought. The conversation touches on themes of goodness, evil, and divine providence in 'The Lord of the Rings.' Koons also explores the impact of Tolkien's work on modern culture, its ecological and spiritual implications, and critiques of literary adaptations. The discussion highlights Tolkien's dual legacy in philosophy and society.
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Quick takeaways
- Tolkien's philosophy asserts that evil is a distortion of goodness, richly illustrated through character transformations in his narratives.
- The Inklings, including Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, significantly influenced Tolkien's philosophical approach, promoting a poetic understanding of reality against materialism.
Deep dives
The Influence of Philosophy on Tolkien's Work
Tolkien’s literary contributions are deeply intertwined with his philosophical perspectives, particularly a blend of Christianized Aristotelian Neoplatonism. This philosophy advocates that all being is inherently good, suggesting that evil is merely a distortion of goodness rather than an independent force. In his stories, Tolkien weaves this philosophy together, illustrating how the nature of existence, goodness, and evil is reflected in his characters and narratives. For instance, the transformation of once-human Ringwraiths into beings of shadow symbolizes how evil represents a loss of being rather than a new creation.
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