Fichte's Republic Idealism, History and Nationalism [Hardcover]

An original interpretation of the connection between idealism, history and nationalism in Fichte's general philosophical, educational and moral project.This volume offers an original interpretation of the connection between idealism, history and nationalism in Fichte's writings, aimed at academic researchers and upper-level students interested in German Idealism, nationalism, political theory, political philosophy and the history of ideas.This volume offers an original interpretation of the connection between idealism, history and nationalism in Fichte's writings, aimed at academic researchers and upper-level students interested in German Idealism, nationalism, political theory, political philosophy and the history of ideas.The Addresses to the German Nation (1808) is one of Fichte's best-known works. It is also his most controversial work because of its nationalist elements. In this book, David James places this text and its nationalism within the context provided by Fichte's philosophical, educational and moral project of creating a community governed by pure practical reason, in which his own foundational philosophical science or Wissenschaftslehre could achieve general recognition. Rather than marking a break in Fichte's philosophy, the Addresses to the German Nation and some lesser-known texts from the same period are shown to develop themes already present in his earlier writings. The themes discussed include the opposition between idealism and dogmatism, the role of Fichte's 'popular' lectures and writings in leading individuals to the standpoint of idealism, the view of history demanded by idealism and the role of the state in history.Introduction; 1. Selfhood, virtue and the Wissenschaftslehre; 1.1 Fichte's critique of Rousseau; 1.2 The dispute between idealism and dogmatism; 1.3 Idealism and virtue; 1.4 The republic of scholars; 2. Practical reason, conscience and ethical vocation; 2.1 The primacy of practical reason; 2.2 Conscience and radical evil; 2.3 ElSE