A CORPUS LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF SCIENTIFIC AND PHILOSOPHICAL LEXIS IN THE ESSAYS OF ALDOUS HUXLEY

Abstract

This research work examines the lexis used in scientific and philosophical contexts in some of Aldous Huxley’s essays through a corpus-based stylistic analysis with the software AntConc. In this regard, this study intends to analyse how Huxley uses scientific, philosophical, psychological, and abstract terms and expressions to create intellectual and reflective discourse in his non-fiction works. The selected essays to be used in this analysis include The Olive Tree, The Desert, The Doors of Perception, Knowledge and Understanding, Decentralisation and Self-Government, The Scientist’s Role, and Madness, Badness, Sadness. In general, the analysis will show that Aldous Huxley extensively utilises scientific and philosophical lexis to reflect on issues concerning modern civilisation, metaphysics, ethics, social reforms, and human psychology. The analysis will further confirm that the stylistic features of Huxley’s works include intellectualism, an abstract lexicon, a philosophical tone, scientific rigour, and reflective discourse. Based on the concordance pattern, Huxley often brings together rationality, spirituality, and philosophical perspectives when addressing concepts such as science, technology, freedom, and reality, among others, to portray them as interrelated aspects of human life.