Makes Schelling's dialogue Bruno readily accessible to the English-language reader, with valuable commentary on the work itself, which details Schelling's account of his differences from Fichte.

F. W. J. Schelling has remained unknown to most contemporary scholars, yet his thought is of great import to early 19th century philosophy and the study of German Idealism. For the first time, Michael G. Vater makes Schelling's dialogue Bruno readily accessible to the English-language reader while providing valuable commentary on the work itself, which details Schelling's account of his differences from Fichte.

In an extensive introduction, Vater discusses the background and significance of Schelling's identity-philosophy and its impact on the development of Hegel's thought from 1802 to the publication of Hegel's Phenomenology. Comprehensive notes point out Schelling's use of classic sources, his dependence on Spinoza, and the similarities in Schelling's and Hegel's points of view during their collaboration on the Critical Journal.

Through the value of its own arguments and its influence on Hegel, Schelling's Bruno provides key material for the evolution on 19th century philosophy. In Schelling's system, Hegel found the construction of a harmonious whole in which his own basic conflicts and those of his generation found their solution. Hegel's Difference and Schelling's Bruno announce a new programme and outline its foundations: Philosophy must become metaphysical again and unify a world torn by the conflicting and one-sided ideologies of materialism and spiritualism.

Table of Contents

• The Revival of Metaphysics
• To the Future Through the Past
• The Argument of the Bruno
• The Significance of the Philosophy of Identity
• Schelling and Hegel

Review

"Vater is one of the most knowledgeable persons in the English-speaking world on the thought of the early Schelling (up to and including the period of this dialogue he has translated). There exists in English no truly detailed account of Schelling's identity-philosophy. Vater's very fine introduction, and his extensive notes to the translation, do a great deal to fill this gap." ― Robert F. Brown, University of Delaware

About the Author

Michael G. Vater is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Marquette University.