On the History of Modern Philosophy

Description

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.

"...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