Schelling on Truth and Person: The Meaning of Positive Philosophy

Positive philosophy, as coined by Friedrich Schelling (1775–1854), is a distinct approach to philosophizing that emphasizes the human quest for truth. It views truth as intricately woven with the phenomena of mythology, religion, and the movement of life, revealing the human experience of falling away from and returning to the truth. Nikolaj Zunic highlights how this understanding of truth coincides with the development and expression of positive philosophy, which addresses grand themes such as the meaning of life, the ontological question, knowledge and reason, and the affirmation of God's existence. This book appeals to students and scholars interested in Schelling's late philosophy and broader philosophical inquiries into meaning, truth, human nature, and rationality.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Positive philosophy, as coined by Friedrich Schelling (1775-1854), represents a distinct approach to philosophizing that diverges from the prevailing trend of negative philosophy within modern rationalism. However, the question remains: what precisely constitutes positive philosophy? In his work "Schelling on Truth and Person: The Meaning of Positive Philosophy," Schelling posits that the essence of positive philosophy lies in a unique perspective on the human person as a seeker of truth. He argues that truth is intricately woven into the fabric of life, manifested through the phenomena of mythology and religion that depict the human journey toward and return to the truth. Nikolaj Zunic further substantiates this novel understanding of truth by demonstrating its co-development alongside positive philosophy itself.

The anthropological dimension of truth encompasses self-knowledge, the soul, spirit, and personality, and Schelling's positive philosophy sheds light on profound themes such as the meaning of life, the ontological question (why is there something rather than nothing?), the enigma of knowledge and reason, and the affirmation of God's existence. This book holds appeal to students and scholars interested in Schelling's late philosophy, as well as broader inquiries into philosophy concerning meaning, truth, human nature, and rationality.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666915884