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Theory Underground
Is this a theory of COSMIC drive!? Todd McGowan on Schelling's Theory of DRIVE!
Sep 4, 2024
Todd McGowan, a prominent theorist focused on Schelling's Theory of Drive, dives into the profound implications of this theory on modern philosophy. He explores the complexities of the death drive through Freud and Schelling, while dissecting German idealism's nuances. The discussion contrasts Schopenhauer's and Schelling's views on will and drives, shedding light on agency and freedom. Additionally, McGowan critiques democracy and populism, connecting economic conditions with philosophical insights. The conversation emphasizes community engagement in philosophical discourse.
01:04:55
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Quick takeaways
- Schelling redefines drives not as universal forces, but as uniquely human phenomena crucial for understanding freedom and existence.
- The rotary motion of drives offers a dynamic view of human freedom, highlighting non-linear interactions rather than deterministic trajectories.
Deep dives
Understanding Schelling's Contribution to Philosophy
Schelling, a key figure in German idealism, significantly shaped philosophical discourse through his exploration of the rotary motion of drives. This concept suggests a fundamental principle underlying existence, drawing on pre-Socratic ideas where early philosophers sought essential truths about the cosmos. Schelling’s perspective diverges sharply from Freud’s intertwined concepts of Eros and Thanatos, which are often misinterpreted as universal forces. Instead, Schelling delineates the drives as uniquely human phenomena, indicating that they cannot be applied cosmologically but rather serve as the basis for understanding human freedom.
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