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On the History of Modern Philosophy (Texts in German Philosophy)

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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.