Mr Cogito's Principles, or where to after Herbert?

Abstract

The author proposes defining the axiological place that has been left by Herbert. Moral choices are at the same time esthetical choices for Herbert; hence the category of „harmony” has in his work both the esthetical and ethical-existential dimensions. Gathering the features of Herbert's work that have been repeatedly revealed the researcher gives a sketch of his axiological topography. The method introducing order is the use of two oppositions: rationalism and imagination, and moralism and imagination. As a result the important position of irony and the primacy of the ethical imperative are confirmed. The author also considers Herbert's poetry as prolongation of the Romantic traditions that „are the foundations of the Polish national ethos”.