Introduction: “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze
“Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze first appeared in 1936 in PMLA (Publications of the Modern Language Association of America). In this essay, Schütze advocates for a modern humanist approach to literature, centering on the concept of “integral unity.” He critiques the dominant frameworks of rationalistic-romantic metaphysics and factualism, which he believes impose artificial separations between form and content, and between mind and nature. Instead, Schütze promotes a holistic view of literature, where the unity of meaning within a text is inseparable from its form. He introduces a theory of “integral unity of meaning” that emphasizes the indivisibility of experience, aesthetic expression, and the ethical, social, and psychological dimensions of human life. This approach underscores that the true essence of a literary work can only be grasped by considering all its elements as parts of a single organic whole. Schütze’s modern humanism has influenced literary theory by challenging reductionist interpretations and encouraging critics to embrace the full complexity of literary and artistic expression, thus reaffirming the value of literature in fostering a deeper understanding of culture and personality.
Summary of “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze
- Introduction to Modern Humanism
Schütze defines modern humanism as an aspirational life approach that integrates physical, intellectual, and socio-ethical domains to advance the individual personality. This integration forms the foundation for cultural values and a unified perspective on human existence (Schütze, 1936, p. 284). His work critiques earlier academic theories, aiming to harmonize various aspects of personal experience within literature and the arts. - Three Foundational Theories in Literary Studies
Schütze outlines three major types of literary theories: rationalistic-romantic metaphysics, factualism, and his own concept of “integral unity.” He critiques rationalistic-romantic approaches for their dependence on deductive reasoning and dualism, which divides mind and nature, restricting the ability to capture the holistic essence of literary works (p. 285). Factualism, while seemingly objective, reduces literature to isolated facts, disregarding the integrated meaning essential to poetry (p. 288). - Integral Unity as a Holistic Theory of Meaning in Literature
Schütze’s theory of integral unity emphasizes that literary meaning arises from the inseparable connection between a work’s form and content. Unlike rationalistic or factual approaches, this theory posits that meaning is not found in external elements but in the organic relationship between parts and the whole within a work (p. 290). This concept encourages readers to appreciate literature as a complete, self-contained entity, emphasizing that detached analysis compromises the work’s inherent unity (p. 291). - Critique of Traditional Analysis in Literary Studies
Schütze critiques conventional literary analysis for its tendency to abstract elements of meaning, removing them from their contextual relationships within the text. He argues that genuine analysis should illuminate these integral relationships rather than dissect them into separate, disconnected parts, urging a more holistic approach to interpretation (p. 291). This approach reveals deeper structures within poetic meaning, respecting the work’s unity. - Unity of Meaning and Form
The unity of meaning and form is central to Schütze’s approach, challenging the conventional division between content and form. Schütze posits that in poetry, meaning is inherently linked to its form, as they coalesce into a single expressive force. Both factualism and rationalism fail to recognize this interplay, treating form as secondary to content (p. 292). He emphasizes that literary works are dynamic, evolving structures of meaning rather than static sets of definitions (p. 294). - Historical Context and Literary Criticism
Schütze identifies the need for a literary history grounded in “integral meanings,” where the historian, critic, and interpreter share a unified perspective. Rather than classifying literature in fixed, detached categories, Schütze encourages historical analyses that consider the evolution of literary meanings within their cultural contexts, highlighting the cultural values embedded in each literary work (p. 296). - The Genetic Principle and Cultural Environment
Schütze extends his integral theory to consider the genetic (developmental) aspects of literary meaning, emphasizing that works of literature should be examined as unique, consistent wholes. He warns against “short-circuiting” literature into overly simplified sociological or biological frameworks, as such interpretations strip literature of its integrative meaning and individuality (p. 298). - Conclusion: Toward a Philosophy of Integral Unity in Literature
Schütze concludes by proposing that integral unity in literature mirrors the unity of personality. His philosophy positions the arts as expressions of cultivated personality, guiding readers and critics toward judgments based on an intuitive, holistic understanding. He envisions a culture where judgments are grounded in personal integration, fostering a deep, creative appreciation for the arts (p. 299).
Literary Terms/Concepts in “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze
| Term/Concept | Definition and Explanation |
| Modern Humanism | A philosophy that integrates physical, intellectual, and socio-ethical aspects of human life to elevate the personality and foster cultural unity. Modern humanism seeks to align personal and social values in harmony with personal growth and cultural values (Schütze, p. 284). |
| Integral Unity | Schütze’s central concept, which holds that the true meaning of a literary work lies in the indivisible connection between its parts and the whole, rejecting separations between form and content. Integral unity enables the full appreciation of literary and artistic meaning (p. 290). |
| Rationalistic-Romantic Metaphysics | A dualistic theoretical approach that separates “mind” and “nature” and relies on deductive reasoning. It emphasizes conceptual classifications, leading to an incomplete understanding of literature by isolating abstract concepts from lived experience (p. 285). |
| Factualism | A literary theory based on objective, literal facts, treating literature as a reflection of isolated factual data. Factualism neglects the organic, unified meaning inherent in literary works by focusing only on empirical elements (p. 288). |
| Unity of Meaning and Form | Schütze’s idea that in poetry, form and content are inherently united, where form is not an external addition but an integral aspect of meaning. This challenges the view that form and content can be separately analyzed (p. 292). |
| Personality and Spontaneity | Schütze asserts that personality is reflected in the spontaneity of individual expression in art, where spontaneity is not impulsive but an integral force that embodies personality and individuality in art and poetry (p. 290). |
| Organic View of Poetry | The notion that poetry, like a living organism, cannot be dissected without losing its essence. Meaning in poetry is formed through a natural integration of elements, and it is harmed by attempts to impose external, isolated interpretations (p. 289). |
| Genetic Principle | A perspective on literary analysis that emphasizes developmental, contextual understanding of literature, considering the unique and holistic nature of each work without oversimplifying it to fit into sociological or biological theories (p. 298). |
| Dualism of Rationality and Irrationality | A framework that contrasts reason (seen as abstract and universal) with feeling (seen as individual and concrete), where rationalistic metaphysics view these elements in opposition, hindering the understanding of unified, personal expression (p. 286). |
| History of Literary Meanings | Schütze’s idea that literary history should focus on the evolution of integral meanings rather than categorizing works by static or external classifications. He advocates for a historical approach that reveals cultural values through the unified meaning in literature (p. 296). |
Contribution of “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze to Literary Theory/Theories
- Critique of Rationalistic-Romantic Metaphysics
Schütze critiques rationalistic-romantic metaphysics for its dualistic separation of mind and nature and its reliance on abstract, deductive reasoning. This approach, he argues, hinders a true understanding of literature by isolating concepts from individual, lived experience. Schütze’s alternative suggests that literary meaning cannot be fully comprehended through abstract classification; instead, it requires an appreciation of how form and meaning are inherently unified (Schütze, p. 285). His critique of this theory thus pushes literary studies toward a more integrative approach that values holistic experience over abstract categorization. - Alternative to Factualism
Schütze’s theory provides an alternative to factualism, which he sees as overly focused on objective, isolated data. Factualism’s empirical focus neglects the inherent unity within a literary work, reducing it to disconnected facts without capturing the organic meaning of the text. By emphasizing the “integral unity” within literature, Schütze encourages scholars to consider a work as a coherent whole, with each part contributing to its unified meaning, thus challenging factualism’s reductionist approach (p. 288). - Development of Integral Unity Theory
One of Schütze’s most significant contributions is his development of the “integral unity” theory, which asserts that meaning in literature is indivisibly linked to both its form and content. This theory moves beyond the limitations of both rationalistic-romantic metaphysics and factualism by positing that literary meaning arises from an organic unity of parts and the whole. This perspective promotes a non-dualistic approach, where meaning is seen as an “integral” and inseparable part of the work’s structure (p. 290). Integral unity encourages literary analysis that values holistic interpretation rather than fragmenting the text. - Emphasis on Personality and Spontaneity in Expression
Schütze introduces the idea that true personality in art is reflected through spontaneity, a concept that contrasts with rationalistic reductionism. He argues that literature and art are expressions of individual spontaneity and that each work embodies a unique personality, essential to its meaning. This perspective supports theories that emphasize the importance of individual creativity and subjectivity in literature, countering more structured, formulaic interpretations (p. 290). - Advancement of the Organic View in Literary Analysis
Schütze’s “organic view of poetry” reinforces the idea that a literary work functions like a living organism, where parts are interdependent and contribute to a unified whole. This concept is a response to both rationalistic-romantic and factualist approaches, which attempt to break down literature into abstract or factual components. Schütze argues that true meaning in poetry emerges only when seen as a coherent whole, a view that has influenced organic and holistic approaches in literary criticism (p. 289). - Inclusion of the Genetic Principle in Literary Interpretation
Schütze’s “genetic principle” suggests that each work of literature should be analyzed within its unique developmental and historical context. He cautions against interpreting literary works through rigid sociological or biological frameworks, as these approaches overlook the work’s inherent unity and its unique place within cultural history (p. 298). His approach aligns with contextual theories of literature, emphasizing a work’s individual character and historical position. - Revised Approach to Literary History and Criticism
Schütze argues that literary history should focus on the evolution of integral meanings within cultural contexts, rather than merely classifying works based on static, external categories. This approach contrasts with traditional literary history, which often prioritizes categorization and fixed classifications. By promoting a history that explores the cultural values inherent in literature, Schütze’s ideas contribute to cultural historicism, encouraging an interpretation of literature as a living reflection of its cultural moment (p. 296). - Integration of Form and Content in Literary Analysis
Challenging the traditional separation of form and content, Schütze argues that the two are indivisible, with form being an inherent aspect of meaning. This integration encourages a shift in formalist literary theories, proposing that form and content be studied together to truly understand a work’s meaning. This holistic approach has influenced later theories that advocate for analyzing literature’s form in conjunction with its thematic and symbolic content (p. 292).
Examples of Critiques Through “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze
| Literary Work | Hypothetical Critique Based on Schütze’s Theory |
| “Hamlet” by William Shakespeare | Schütze’s integral unity would critique attempts to isolate Hamlet’s psychological depth as separate from the play’s structure. Instead, Hamlet’s character, themes of existential crisis, and dramatic form should be understood as a unified whole, where each scene contributes to an organic unity of meaning. |
| “Moby-Dick” by Herman Melville | Through Schütze’s lens, Melville’s novel would be critiqued for its reduction by factualist interpretations focusing solely on its historical or whaling facts. Schütze would argue that Moby-Dick’s meaning lies in the indivisible relationship between Ahab’s quest, the symbolic whale, and the philosophical questions, forming a cohesive unity. |
| “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman | Schütze’s emphasis on personality and spontaneity would highlight Whitman’s individual voice and unique expression. Rather than analyzing his work through isolated themes or historical context alone, Schütze would see the integral unity of Whitman’s form, language, and message as reflecting the singularity of the poet’s personality. |
| “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot | A Schütze-inspired critique would resist fragmenting Eliot’s references and symbols into separate categories or historical allusions. Instead, Schütze would argue for viewing The Waste Land as an organic whole, where the poem’s fragmented structure and references contribute to a unified expression of cultural disillusionment. |
Criticism Against “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze
- Lack of Practical Application
Schütze’s emphasis on “integral unity” can be seen as abstract, making it challenging for critics to apply concretely in analyzing complex texts with multi-layered meanings and historical contexts. - Overemphasis on Holism at the Expense of Detail
By prioritizing the organic whole, Schütze’s approach may overlook or undervalue detailed, isolated analysis of specific elements, such as symbolic language or historical context, that can also contribute to a text’s depth and richness. - Insufficient Attention to Socio-Political Contexts
Schütze’s framework could be critiqued for not fully considering how socio-political conditions impact literary production and meaning, which limits the theory’s relevance in addressing works with clear political or cultural agendas. - Subjectivity in Determining “Integral Unity”
The concept of “integral unity” can be highly subjective, potentially leading to inconsistent interpretations among critics, as what constitutes a unified whole might vary greatly from one reader to another. - Resistance to Interdisciplinary Approaches
Schütze’s critique of factualism and rationalistic-romantic metaphysics may be seen as too restrictive, discouraging interdisciplinary approaches (e.g., psychoanalytic, feminist, or postcolonial perspectives) that rely on specific theories or frameworks to examine literature. - Potential to Overlook Historical Evolution in Literary Criticism
By focusing on the integral unity within individual works, Schütze’s approach may not account for the historical development of literary movements or genres, potentially limiting its utility in understanding the evolution of literature over time. - Incompatibility with Formalist and Structuralist Methods
Schütze’s holistic approach may conflict with formalist and structuralist theories that focus on dissecting language, structure, and narrative techniques, suggesting that these methodologies cannot coexist within his model of humanistic interpretation.
Representative Quotations from “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze with Explanation
| Quotation | Explanation |
| “A modern humanism would be a mode of life controlled by an active aspiration to adjust present conditions to the highest interests and values of personality.” (p. 284) | Schütze proposes that modern humanism seeks to harmonize life’s conditions with the highest aspirations of the human personality, emphasizing an ideal unity across personal, social, and ethical dimensions. |
| “The principle of integral unity … demands an unremitting endeavor to combine and harmonize those three main parts of personal being.” (p. 284) | The core idea of “integral unity” stresses the integration of the physical, intellectual, and social facets of personality, which is essential to realizing humanistic culture. |
| “Rationalistic metaphysics identifies definitions in terms of verbal classification … exclusively with the ultimate substance of truth, knowledge, and value.” (p. 285) | Schütze critiques rationalistic metaphysics for its reduction of truth to mere classifications, arguing it fails to encompass the complexity and holistic meaning found in human experience. |
| “This theoretical confusion and relapse has proved fatal to modern neorationalism and neoromanticism.” (p. 286) | He observes that both neorationalism and neoromanticism have stalled due to their return to rigid, outdated structures, stifling innovation in literary and cultural analysis. |
| “The unity of meaning in a work of poetry is a self-contained mental organism.” (p. 289) | Schütze views poetry as an organism where meaning is derived from an indivisible unity, and it should not be broken into separate ideas or facts without losing its essential significance. |
| “Personality is individual spontaneity.” (p. 290) | Schütze defines personality as spontaneous individuality, connecting this with his theory of integral unity by suggesting that personality, poetry, and culture share this organic, unified spontaneity. |
| “True poetic analysis … is primarily concerned with discovering, preserving, setting forth, illuminating … each part in its integral relations to every other part and to the whole.” (p. 291) | In contrast to traditional analysis, Schütze advocates for an approach to poetry that respects its internal unity, focusing on interconnected parts rather than detached elements. |
| “The event of an experience and its poetic expression … are ultimately indistinguishable from each other.” (p. 295) | Here, he argues that poetic creation is an extension of experience itself, meaning that poetry and lived experience are inextricably linked within the work. |
| “True history of literature must be history of literary meanings.” (p. 296) | Schütze believes literary history should center on the evolving meanings within texts, not merely on factual or chronological accounts, thus aligning with his holistic approach. |
| “The integral unity of meaning and form is essential to a fundamental philosophy of culture.” (p. 299) | Schütze underscores the inseparability of meaning and form in literary and cultural works, viewing this unity as foundational to any genuine humanistic philosophy. |
Suggested Readings: “Toward a Modern Humanism” by Martin Schütze
- Schütze, Martin. “Toward a Modern Humanism.” PMLA, vol. 51, no. 1, 1936, pp. 284–99. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/458327. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
- Bluhm, Heinz. “In Memoriam Martin Schütze.” Monatshefte, vol. 42, no. 6, 1950, pp. 290–95. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/30164993. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
- KRISTELLER, PAUL OSKAR. “HUMANISM.” Minerva, vol. 16, no. 4, 1978, pp. 586–95. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41820353. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.