The philosophical trajectory of the twentieth century finds a distinct anchor in the life of Arthur Owen Barfield, a thinker whose work spanned law, poetry, and linguistic critique. Born in London in 1898, he established himself as a central intellectual force within the Inklings, fundamentally reshaping the creative and theological landscape for contemporaries at Oxford University.
Academic Foundation and Legal Practice
Barfield completed his formal education at Highgate School before entering Wadham College, Oxford. By 1920, he secured a first-class degree in English language and literature. Following his graduate studies, he focused on literary production for over a decade, resulting in works such as Poetic Diction. In 1934, he transitioned into the legal profession, serving as a solicitor in London until his retirement in 1959. His later career involved various visiting professorships across North America.
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His connection to C.S. Lewis, initiated in 1919, endured for 44 years. This relationship featured the Great War, a prolonged intellectual debate concerning anthroposophy and the nature of knowledge. Barfield acted as a catalyst for Lewis's shift away from materialist realism. Furthermore, his theories regarding ancient semantic unity influenced J.R.R. Tolkien, who integrated these perspectives on language, metaphor, and myth into the legendarium of Middle-earth.
Evolution of Consciousness
Barfield centered his intellectual output on the evolution of consciousness, a theme permeating his essays and books. His primary publication, Saving the Appearances: A Study in Idolatry, positioned him as a progenitor of Anthroposophy within the English-speaking world. He advocated for a view of reality that moved beyond material explanation, championing a participatory engagement with nature that mirrored Platonic concepts of methexis.
Fast facts
- Born: 1898, London
- Died: 1997, Forest Row
- Education: Wadham College, Oxford
- Primary Professional Field: Law, Philosophy
- Spouse: Maud Douie
- Affiliation: The Inklings
- Citizenship: United Kingdom
Questions readers ask
What was the Great War between Barfield and C.S. Lewis?
It was an affectionate term for a long-standing intellectual disagreement regarding anthroposophy and the capacity of human imagination to provide valid knowledge.
How did Barfield impact J.R.R. Tolkien?
Barfield's concepts regarding ancient semantic unity and the role of metaphor in language influenced Tolkien's thematic approach to the decline and fall of civilizations in his Middle-earth writings.
Achievements
- Fields: linguistics, philosophy and literature
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