Defense Date

11-6-2008

Graduation Date

Fall 2009

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

dissertation

Degree Name

PhD

Department

Philosophy

School

McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts

Committee Chair

Tom Rockmore

Committee Member

Ronald Polansky

Committee Member

Daniel Selcer

Keywords

Circular justification, Epistemology, German Idealism, Monism, Self-referentiality, Wissenschaftslehre

Abstract

This dissertation examines Fichte's original philosophical system, or the Wissenschaftslehre, against the background of Kant's transcendental idealism. Although his system is formulated within the context of the reconstruction of Kant's transcendental idealism, Fichte claims to posses the sole correct interpretation of Kant's view. He further asserts that he understands Kant better than Kant understands himself. This dissertation maintains that the issue of Fichte's relationship to Kant is a controversial one. It argues that Fichte's philosophical system is identical with and yet different from Kant's position. To the extent that Fichte rejects a representationalist solution to the problem of knowledge, this study contends that his system is true to the spirit of Kant's critical philosophy. However, to the extent that his method of presentation differs from Kant's, the dissertation argues that Fichte's view is his own, and should be evaluated on its own merit.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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