F.W.J. Schelling
modernGerman Idealism1775 – 1854
Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling (1775–1854) was a central figure of German Idealism whose thought evolved dramatically across his career, from a Naturphilosophie positing nature as unconscious spirit, through an identity philosophy of the Absolute, to a late positive philosophy engaging myth, revelation, and the nature of God. He was a profound influence on Hegel, Kierkegaard, and subsequent European philosophy, and anticipates themes in existentialism and process theology.
Notable Achievements
1
Developed Naturphilosophie, interpreting nature as unconscious or slumbering spirit, bridging scientific inquiry and Romantic philosophy
2
Formulated an identity philosophy in which nature and mind are two aspects of a single Absolute
3
Articulated a theogonic conception of God as a developing, suffering being, anticipating process theology
4
Produced the late 'positive philosophy' of mythology and revelation, influencing existentialist and theological thought
5
Influenced Hegel's dialectic, Kierkegaard's existentialism, and Bergson's philosophy of life