Confronting the German Idealist Tradition: Jakob Friedrich Fries, the Friesian School and the Neo-Friesian School

The philosophical activity of modern Germany represents a peak in the history of philosophy, beginning from Thales in ancient Greece. This book attempts to reconsider the conventional image of 19th-century German philosophy by illuminating a forgotten philosophical stream contemporaneous with so-called German idealism. It examines the philosophy of Jakob Friedrich Fries, a philosopher contemporaneous and in confrontation with Hegel, and reconstructs the picture of 19th-century German philosophy. This approach reveals the factiousness of the history of philosophy that starts from Kant, passes through German idealism, and flows into the Neo-Kantian movement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 110 pages
Publication date: 24 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The philosophical endeavor of modern Germany stands as a remarkable pinnacle in the annals of philosophical history, extending its roots back to the ancient Greek sage Thales. This captivating book embarks on a mission to challenge and redefine the conventional portrayal of 19th-century German philosophy. To achieve this, it sheds light on a hitherto overlooked philosophical current that coexisted with the renowned German idealism.

From this vantage point, this book delves into the profound and intricate philosophy of Jakob Friedrich Fries, a philosopher who lived contemporaneously with Hegel and engaged in a spirited intellectual dialogue. By exploring Fries's perspective, the book endeavors to reconstruct the intricate tapestry of 19th-century German philosophy. It is worth noting that philosophers other than Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and Hegel, particularly Fries, exerted a profound and lasting influence on the course of philosophical discourse during the 19th and 20th centuries. It can be argued that the conventional narrative of philosophy obscures the significant contributions of Fries. Consequently, this book will undertake a comprehensive examination of Fries's philosophy, the Friesian school founded by E.F. Apelt, and the Neo-Friesian school established by Leonard Nelson.

This approach unveils the contentious nature of the historical narrative that begins with Kant, traverses the realm of German idealism, and culminates in the Neo-Kantian movement. It offers a fresh and transformative perspective, enabling us to reevaluate the rich tapestry of German philosophical thought.

Weight: 381g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032522982