The Natural Philosopher wrote:

On 08/10/17 09:30, Roger Hayter wrote:
The Natural Philosopher wrote:

On 07/10/17 23:48, Roger Hayter wrote:
I believe some
of the more inflexible sections of the 19th century population did
suspect something not quite natural, and a bit magical, about a vehicle
moving without being pulled or pushed.

I think we had horses for a millennia. They are self propelled.

As indeed we are ourselves. But I think primitive ideas of
'naturalness' made sense to people

Judging by the green movement, that is certainly the case today. I am
not sure that it used to be the case though. I dont think they had any
concept of 'naturalness' before the devloment of Romanticism....

I have no knowledge of that. Presumably previously such properties of
animals were thought simply to have been imparted by god. Certainly
very few people at any time in history have seriouslly thought about the
mechanical processes involved. Though clearly some have, for some
thousands of years.




...

"Romanticism (also the Romantic era or the Romantic period) was an
artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in
Europe toward the end of the 18th century, and in most areas was at its
peak in the approximate period from 1800 to 1850. Romanticism was
characterized by its emphasis on emotion and individualism as well as
glorification of all the past and nature, preferring the medieval rather
than the classical. It was partly a reaction to the Industrial
Revolution,[1] the aristocratic social and political norms of the Age of
Enlightenment, and the scientific rationalization of nature€”all
components of modernity.[2] It was embodied most strongly in the visual
arts, music, and literature, but had a major impact on
historiography,[3] education,[4] and the natural sciences.[5] It had a
significant and complex effect on politics, with romantic thinkers
influencing liberalism, radicalism, conservatism and nationalism.[6]"

(wiki)

Needless to say it was of course Germany that spearheadead the whole
nonsense...and it was then as bow an affectation of the slightly
educated middle classes.


and self-propulsion was probably
regarded as an aspect of life rather than mechanics. It is hard to put
oneself into the mind of people who really see animals operating on
totally different physical laws to vehicles, but this may still be the
majority view?

Yep. Totally true. These are the people who go on about inhumane
treatment of animals...;-)

I agree with them. But simply because of their empirical ability to
suffer discomfort and distress. The animals as well.

Perhaps we had better not do theories of mind here. I prefer to stick
to my prejudices.

--

Roger Hayter