The Berlin Academy in the reign of Frederick the Great: Philosophy and science

This collection provides a wealth of new information about the Berlin Academy from the mid-1740s to the 1770s, including discussions of the roles of philosophy and natural philosophy, the nature and arrangement of the new classes, and a fresh appraisal of the Academy's methodological eclecticism. It also takes the study of the Academy in new directions through focused studies of important figures whose writings deserve to be better understood.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2022
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

This collection offers a fresh perspective on the nature, role, and practice of philosophy and science within the revitalized Berlin Academy from the mid-1740s to the 1770s. By providing a wealth of new materials, it contributes significantly to the broader endeavor of constructing a comprehensive historiography of philosophy at this pivotal Enlightenment institution. The collection spans from discussions on the significance of philosophy and natural philosophy in the establishment of the rejuvenated Academy in the mid-1740s to conceptions of the appropriate philosophical methodology to be adopted by the Academy. It offers the first-ever exploration of the nature and structure of the new classes introduced within the Academy, as well as a fresh evaluation of its methodological eclecticism.

A recurring theme throughout the collection is the status of metaphysics, encompassing studies of special metaphysics, such as the study of the soul, general metaphysics, which examines being in general, and foundational metaphysical principles and concepts, including Maupertuiss Principle of least action, Eulers concept of space, and Lamberts notion of an experimental metaphysics. Furthermore, the collection takes the study of the Academy in innovative directions by focusing on important figures whose writings warrant deeper understanding, such as Jean Bernard Merian, Louis de Beausobre, Jean Henri Samuel Formey, and Johann Georg Sulzer.

In conclusion, this collection provides a valuable addition to our understanding of the Berlin Academy during the Enlightenment. By shedding new light on the nature, role, and practice of philosophy and science within this institution, it enriches our knowledge of the broader philosophical landscape of the time. Its comprehensive approach and detailed analysis offer valuable insights into the intellectual currents and debates of the era, making it an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802070255