Regaining Lost Ground: A Comparative Exploration of Schelling's Late Philosophy in the Shadow of Hegel

Peter Dews' "Schelling's Late Philosophy in Confrontation with Hegel" delves into the relatively neglected realm of Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling's later philosophical work. This comprehensive analysis situates Schelling's thought within the context of German Idealism, particularly focusing on his critical engagement with the dominant figure of Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.

Targeted Audience:

• Philosophy students: Gain a deeper understanding of Schelling's later philosophy and its unique contribution to the history of philosophy.
• Hegel scholars: Broaden their understanding of Hegel's influence and contrasting perspectives within German Idealism.
• Intellectual history enthusiasts: Explore the evolution of philosophical thought in the early 19th century.

Key Focus Areas:

• Unearthing the Distinctive Schelling: Examine the unique features of Schelling's late philosophy, including its emphasis on freedom, mythology, and revelation.
• A Comparative Lens: Critically compare and contrast Schelling's views on key themes like the relationship between thought and being, the role of religion, the dynamics of history, and the nature of freedom, in relation to Hegel's treatment of these topics.
• Historical Context: Delve into the intellectual and cultural landscape of German Idealism, considering the influence of Kant and Romanticism, to understand the development of both Schelling's and Hegel's thought.

Content Highlights:

• Shifting Sands: From Absolute Idealism to "Negative Philosophy": Explore Schelling's move away from his early idealist positions and the development of his "negative philosophy," which emphasizes the limitations of pure reason in comprehending the absolute.
• Finding Meaning in Myth: The Rise of "Positive Philosophy": Analyze Schelling's turn towards mythology as a source of profound meaning and the development of his "positive philosophy," which attempts to bridge the gap between the finite and the infinite through a historical and theological lens.
• Freedom and the Unfolding of History: Unpack Schelling's conception of history as a dynamic process driven by freedom and critique his contrast with Hegel's view of history as a preordained movement towards rationality.

Key Takeaways:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of Schelling's later philosophy and its central concepts.
• Develop a critical perspective on the contrasting approaches of Schelling and Hegel to fundamental philosophical questions.
• Enhance your understanding of the significance of German Idealism and the importance of considering diverse perspectives within this influential tradition.

Strengths:

• Comprehensive and Detailed: Provides a thorough exploration of Schelling's complex and multifaceted thought.
• Comparative Approach: Offers valuable insights by positioning Schelling's later philosophy in dialogue with Hegel's dominant system.
• Historical Contextualization: Grounds the analysis within the broader intellectual and cultural landscape of the early 19th century.