German Idealism encompasses Kant to Hegel, progressing from critical philosophy to a holistic truth integration.
Shelling proposes panpsychism, challenging Kant's mechanism views with a focus on nature's self-organizing aspect.
Hegel's followers split into right and left camps, with right defenders of the status quo and left seeking social revolutions.
Deep dives
Evolution of German Idealism from Kant to Hegel
German idealism, tracing from Kant to Hegel, showcases a significant development in philosophical thought. Kant's critical philosophy laid the groundwork, focusing on the conditions of experiencing the phenomenal world through the mind's structures. In contrast, Shelling shifted towards nature as a self-organizing system, where mind emerges from natural processes. Hegel's work epitomizes the culmination by integrating historical development, detailing different shapes of consciousness evolving towards a holistic truth.
Philosophical Perspectives of Shelling on Nature and Mind
Shelling's philosophical view emphasizes nature as the invisible mind, proposing a form of panpsychism where mind pervades all of nature. He challenges Kant's mechanistic view by suggesting that nature is life-oriented, self-organizing, and not dependent on the mind's structuring. Shelling's approach delves into the divine imagination, suggesting that human consciousness emerges as the highest potential of nature.
Impact and Legacy of Hegelian Philosophy
The right and left Hegelians emerged as a distinction among Hegel's followers. The right Hegelians aligned with the existing political order, viewing Hegel's state role as fulfilling and resisting further changes. In contrast, the left Hegelians, including Marx, believed that Hegel's ideas needed further actualization to achieve true individual freedom, triggering social and political transformations. Hegel's work inspired contrasting interpretations, illustrating the evolving philosophical and political landscapes.
Difference in Philosophical Approaches: Right vs. Left Hegelians
The right Hegelians supported the established political order, seeing Hegel's doctrine as a culmination of history, requiring no revolutionary changes, showcasing a conservative stance. Left Hegelians, exemplified by Marx, advocated for social revolutions based on Hegel's ideas, aiming for actualizing individual freedom and progressing beyond existing political structures, reflecting a progressive viewpoint seeking societal transformations.
Conservative Aspect of Aging and Impact on Society
Aging, especially for those in the middle class or above, involves becoming more tied to the status quo through property and investments. Younger generations, like millennials and Gen Z, challenge this conservative trend by questioning traditional norms. This dynamic reflects a philosophical divide between right Hegelians defending the status quo and left Hegelians advocating for continued progress.
Shelling and Hegel's Rivalry and Philosophical Differences
Shelling and Hegel's rivalry evolved from being roommates and friends into an intellectual dispute. This rivalry, rooted in contrasting philosophical interpretations, showcases Shelling's critique of Hegel's negative philosophy in favor of his positive philosophy. Despite their differences, their personal connection remained, leading to unexpected reunions. Shelling's philosophical contributions, particularly on mythology and revelation, influenced later movements like psychoanalysis.
Matthew Segall is Assistant Professor in the Philosophy, Cosmology, and Consciousness Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. He joins Breht to discuss the philosophical movement known as German Idealism, its major figures, its historical context, its legacy, and its continued relevance. Learn more about Matthew and his work: https://footnotes2plato.com/ Listen to Matt's previous appearance on Rev Left here: https://revolutionaryleftradio.libsyn.com/whitehead Outro Song: Dead of Night by Orville Peck ---------------------- Support Rev Left Radio: https://www.patreon.com/RevLeftRadio Support Rev Left Radio: https://www.patreon.com/RevLeftRadio
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