The Great Chain of Being

Definition

The Great Chain of Being is a hierarchical structure that originated in ancient philosophy and was prevalent during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, which posits that all forms of life are arranged in a divine order from the lowest to the highest, with God at the top and inanimate objects at the bottom. This concept influenced literature by shaping themes of hierarchy, order, and the relationship between humanity and the divine, reflecting societal beliefs about nature, authority, and existence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Chain of Being was used to justify social hierarchies, suggesting that each individual had a specific place in the universe, reflecting their moral and social worth.
2. During the Restoration and early Enlightenment, writers like John Milton and Alexander Pope incorporated ideas from the Great Chain of Being into their works to discuss morality and human purpose.
3. The idea posits a strict linear hierarchy: God > angels > humans > animals > plants > inanimate objects, emphasizing a divinely ordained order.
4. The Great Chain of Being faced challenges during the Enlightenment with thinkers like Locke and Newton advocating for reason and empirical evidence over hierarchical structures.
5. This concept not only influenced literature but also impacted art and philosophy, as it shaped perceptions of beauty, morality, and the natural world.

Review Questions

• How does the Great Chain of Being reflect societal beliefs about hierarchy and order in literature?
  • The Great Chain of Being reflects societal beliefs about hierarchy and order by establishing a structured worldview where each entity has its designated place. This framework is evident in literary works where characters are often portrayed according to their social standing or moral virtue, reinforcing existing social norms. Writers used this concept to explore themes related to power dynamics, human purpose, and the consequences of disrupting this divine order.
• Discuss how Enlightenment thinkers challenged the principles of the Great Chain of Being and its representation in literature.
  • Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Isaac Newton challenged the principles of the Great Chain of Being by promoting ideas centered around reason, individualism, and empirical evidence. They questioned the static nature of hierarchies dictated by divine order, advocating instead for a more fluid understanding of human potential and societal organization. This shift led to changes in literature as authors began to depict characters with greater complexity and agency, reflecting new ideas about equality and human rights.
• Evaluate the significance of the Great Chain of Being in shaping the moral and philosophical debates within Restoration literature.
  • The significance of the Great Chain of Being in shaping moral and philosophical debates within Restoration literature lies in its foundational role in discussions about human nature, divine authority, and ethical conduct. Writers used this concept to navigate complex issues such as duty versus desire, often framing characters' conflicts within the context of their place in this hierarchy. The interplay between divine order and personal choice created rich narratives that challenged readers to consider their own values and beliefs within an evolving moral landscape.

Related terms

Hierarchy: A system of organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority.

Teleology: The philosophical study of design and purpose in natural phenomena, often linked to the idea that everything has a predetermined purpose within the Great Chain of Being.

Natural Philosophy: An early form of science that sought to explain the nature of the universe through observation and reason, laying groundwork for later Enlightenment thought.