On the History of Modern Philosophy (Texts in German Philosophy) [Paperback]

F. W. J. von Schelling (Author), Andrew Bowie (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 27, 1994 | ISBN-10: 052140861X | ISBN-13: 978-0521408615

On the History of Modern Philosophy is a key transitional text in the history of European philosophy. In it F.W.J. Schelling surveys philosophy from Descartes to German Idealism and shows why the Idealist project is ultimately doomed to failure. Schelling's work traces the path of philosophy from Descartes through Spinoza, Leibniz, Kant, Fichte, Jacobi, to Hegel and Schelling's own work. The extensive critiques of Hegel prefigure many of the arguments to be found in Feuerbach, Kierkegaard, Marx, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Derrida.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...an excellent translation of Frederick von Schelling's lectures on the history of modern philosophy....Schelling's lectures will be of particular interest to historians of nineteenth century philosophy, intellectual historians, and anyone teaching upper-level undergraduate or graduate courses in nineteenth century philosophy....a very welcome addition to the growing volume of German philosophy in translation." European Studies Journal

"...a challenging attempt to comprehend modern philosophy, and an intriguing glimpse into the work of a philosopher whose later development as a thinker has evaded translation into English. Bowie's careful and literal-minded treatment of Schelling's thought and difficult prose style should serve as a spur (and as a model) for future Schelling translations." Peter Simpson, Review of Metaphysics

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (May 27, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 052140861X
• ISBN-13: 978-0521408615
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #748,243 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Schelling's History!, January 22, 2001

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New Age of Barbarism "zosimos" (EVROPA.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the History of Modern Philosophy (Texts in German Philosophy) (Hardcover)

In this work, Schelling examines philosophy as it existed in his time. He begins with Descartes, the father of modern philosophy, who he criticizes on several grounds and examines his ontological proof. Then, he moves on to Spinoza, Leibniz and Christian Wolff. Schelling looks at the "Pantheism controversy" surrounding Spinoza, and he rejects the philosophy of Leibniz, which he shows breaks into two parts, the monadology and that in the _Theodicy_. All of whose work he examines and provides criticism. Schelling next considers Kant and argues that he is misguided. Finally, Schelling examines his contemporaries, Fichte and Hegel. Schelling criticizes Fichte and his project of Idealism, and shows how this is doomed to failure. He also provides a cogent criticism of Hegel. Schelling also examines "Naturphilosophie" as proposed by Fichte, and demonstrates how his own thought fits into this picture. Lastly, Schelling examines Jacobi, who criticized the project of German Idealism, and Schelling shows the contradictions within his thought. Throughout this work, Schelling reveals himself to be a monist, opposed to Cartesian dualism, argues against the flawed ontological proof, which he sees to be at the basis of Hegel's philosophy, and shows the need for a historically based metaphysics. The work also includes a discussion of theosophy and mysticism (especially as shown in Jacob Boehme) which Schelling rejects, and a pretty funny chapter on the differences between national philosophies (i.e. why German philosophy is superior to French and English philosophy).

Overall this is an important work which demonstrates Schelling's thought. It also is important for its criticism of Hegel, and the contrast between Schelling and Hegel's philosophy. I should add finally, that the introduction by Bowie is excellent and provides a detailed explanation of all the important issues involved.