Philosophy of Man: Friedrich Schelling
Schelling’s Philosophy of Man builds upon his broader metaphysical framework, emphasizing the unique role of humanity in the natural and spiritual world. He viewed humanity as the culmination of nature’s evolutionary journey and as the medium through which nature and the Absolute achieve self-awareness. His insights blend metaphysical, ethical, and historical considerations, providing a holistic view of human existence.
Schelling believed that humans are not separate from nature but are nature "coming to know itself." Through human consciousness, nature reflects on its own existence and understands its connection to the Absolute.
Humanity and the Absolute
The Absolute (Schelling’s idea of ultimate reality) encompasses everything: nature, spirit, mind, and more. Humanity is special because it provides the link between nature and the Absolute. When humans think about the universe, they are, in a sense, the Absolute becoming fully aware of itself.
Humanity: The Supreme Manifestation of
Nature
For Schelling, man is the pinnacle of nature’s development. This idea stems from his belief in the unity of nature and spirit:
Schelling posited that mind and intelligence were always inherent within nature, albeit in latent or unconscious forms. Humanity’s emergence marks the point where nature attains full self-consciousness.
Schelling believed that mind and intelligence have always been present in nature, even if they were not fully developed or obvious. This means that what we see as lifeless matter—like rocks or water—contains the seeds of consciousness, though they remain dormant. Over time, as nature evolves, this hidden potential unfolds. When humanity emerges, this latent intelligence becomes fully conscious.
He describes humanity as the moment when nature turns back upon itself and recognizes itself as both intelligent and conscious. According to Schelling:
- Man,
through reason and consciousness, is nature’s ultimate goal.
- Through
humanity, nature becomes fully self-aware, fulfilling its purpose.
For Schelling, humanity is nature’s way of becoming fully aware of itself. Before humans, nature existed but lacked the ability to think about itself. With humans—who have reason, intelligence, and self-awareness—nature can now reflect on its own existence. In this sense, humanity is the "mirror" in which nature sees itself.
Philosophy of History: Freedom, Evil, and Redemption
Schelling’s philosophy of man extends into a
philosophy of history, emphasizing the moral and existential dimensions of
human freedom.
- Human
Freedom and the Possibility of Evil:
- In the subhuman world, individual entities are entirely governed by the universal laws of nature.
- With
humanity’s emergence, however, comes self-consciousness and free will.
- Freedom
introduces the possibility of moral choice, making humans capable
of both good and evil.
- History
as the Struggle Between Good and Evil:
History, according to Schelling, is fundamentally the narrative of humanity’s moral struggle: - Evil
arises from selfishness and the willful
choice of false or spurious paths.
- This
strife is not merely destructive; it is also the condition for
progress. Through the conflict between good and evil, the truly
divine evolves in humanity.
- Redemption
Through Self-Realization:
- Humans
must confront their errors and selfishness, acknowledging their deviation
from truth.
- Redemption
occurs when individuals submit to the "true light" within
themselves—a divine principle that leads to moral and spiritual
fulfillment.
- This process reflects Schelling’s belief in the transformative power of human reason and self-awareness.
3. Schelling’s Critique of Hegel: Positive
vs. Negative Philosophy
A significant aspect of Schelling’s Philosophy of
Man is his critique of Hegel’s system. He distinguished his own
approach as a “positive philosophy” in contrast to what he saw as Hegel’s
overly abstract and "negative" philosophy:
- Hegel’s
Negative Philosophy:
- Schelling
criticized Hegel for focusing exclusively on abstract ideas and
essences, which, he argued, could not adequately account for the concrete
realities of human existence.
- Hegel’s
dialectical system, while rigorous, was seen by Schelling as overly
deterministic, leaving little room for individuality or the
unpredictability of history and freedom.
- Schelling’s
Positive Philosophy:
- Schelling
claimed that his philosophy could address real, concrete events and
existents, such as the uniqueness of individuals and the spontaneity
of human freedom.
- His focus on freedom, moral struggle, and redemption demonstrated a commitment to exploring the existential and personal dimensions of human life.
Schelling believed that humans play a special role in the world. He thought that humans are the highest point of nature's development and that we help nature and the universe become aware of themselves.
ReplyDeleteSchelling saw humanity as nature awakening to its own consciousness, the bridge between the material world and the Absolute. For him, human freedom introduced moral struggle—our choices shape history, leading to redemption through self-realization. Unlike Hegel, Schelling embraced individuality and spontaneity, making his philosophy deeply personal and existential.
ReplyDeleteFriedrich Schelling's philosophy of Man posits humans as a unity of mind and body, emphasizing creative freedom within the bounds of existence. He saw art as a key to understanding reality, bridging the gap between subject and object. Ultimately, Schelling acknowledged the inherent mystery of existence.
ReplyDeleteI like and appreciate the philosophy of Schelling on freedom and individuality, as it highlights the uniqueness of human experience. His focus on moral struggle and redemption offers a more dynamic, personal view of existence, allowing for growth and spontaneity.
ReplyDeleteSchelling's understanding of philosophy of man is very unique when compared to other philosophers. For him humanity is nature's way of becoming aware of itself. This idea posits that human and nature are intertwined with each other and they need one another in fulfilling purpose.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that evil arises from free will and selfishness could be a problem as it oversimplifies evil. Are all evil actions really just from selfishness? What about systemic evils or situations where people commit evil acts under coercion or ignorance?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Schelling's focus on individual choice might neglect broader social or structural factors that contribute to evil.
Schelling believed that humanity represents a unique stage in the evolution of consciousness, bridging the gap between the physical world and the ultimate reality. He saw human freedom as the source of both moral challenges and the potential for personal and historical transformation. Unlike Hegel's focus on grand historical narratives, Schelling emphasized individual agency and the unpredictable nature of human choices, leading to a more personal and existential understanding of philosophy.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s idea that humanity is nature becoming self-aware reminds us that we’re deeply connected to the natural world. It suggests that our consciousness is part of nature’s bigger journey, encouraging us to see ourselves not as separate, but as integral to the whole of existence.
ReplyDeleteSchelling suggests that when we become aware of ourselves, we also help nature become aware of itself. This shows how everything is interconnected and that our understanding of ourselves helps nature reflect on its own reality.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s philosophy sees humans as a link between nature and the Absolute, giving nature self-awareness through human thinking. He highlights freedom, moral struggle, and self-discovery as key to change in history. By questioning Hegel and supporting a "positive philosophy," he shows that human life is special, combining deep ideas with real experiences of freedom and individuality.
ReplyDeleteSchelling believed that mind and intelligence have always been present in nature which means that nature with all that it contains has consciousness which makes it more than an existing matter or anything insignificant.
ReplyDeleteFor Schelling, humanity is the highest form of nature's development, where nature attains full self-consciousness, reflecting on its own existence through human reason, intelligence, and self-awareness.
ReplyDeleteSchelling's idea that humanity is nature "coming to know itself" offers a powerful perspective on our place in the universe. It reminds us that through our consciousness, we are not separate from the world but a vital part of its journey toward self-awareness and understanding ultimate reality.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, we find Schelling looking at humanity as the bridge to gain the complete awareness of nature itself. In other words, nature had been there, existing before human-beings but incomplete due to the lack of consciousness which is the capacity to reason and intellect. Therefore nature completes itself through human beings, like a mirror image.
ReplyDeleteSchelling's philosophy of man - nature and humans are one. Man is pinnacle of nature's development. There is a unity of nature and spirit. Mind and intelligence have always been present in nature. Human and nature have different qualities. Schelling advocates for positive philosophy that could adress real, concrete events and existence e. g - the uniqueness of individuals and spontaneity of human freedom. I learnt that abstract ideas and essence can't adress concrete realities of human existence.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that humanity is nature's self awareness is incredible. Combining nature, intelligence and consciousness is facinating. Our redemption towards spiritual fulfillment, as he mentions is by our interaction with the "true light". This can be done by the guidance of our self awareness and consiciousness.
ReplyDelete~Claudius
ReplyDeleteSchelling believes humanity is the highest point of nature’s development, where nature becomes fully aware of itself. He sees history as a moral struggle between good and evil, which helps humanity grow spiritually and morally. Through self-realization and learning from mistakes, people can find redemption and connect with their inner divine nature.
Schelling's Philosophy of Man emphasizes humanity as the culmination of nature's evolution and the link between nature and the Absolute, exploring themes of self-awareness, moral freedom, the struggle between good and evil in history, and critiquing Hegel's focus on abstract ideas by advocating for a "positive philosophy" that addresses concrete human experiences.
ReplyDeleteSchelling thought humans are nature's way of becoming aware of itself and connects us to everything. He stressed the importance of free will, the fight between right and wrong, and finding redemption in history. Schelling's ideas challenged Hegel's focus on abstract concepts, valuing real-life experiences and the freedom to choose our own path.
ReplyDeleteWhat stands out in Schelling’s philosophy is his unique view of humanity as nature’s way of becoming self-aware. He sees humans and nature as deeply connected, each depending on the other to find meaning and purpose.
ReplyDeleteSchelling sees humanity as the peak of nature's evolution, where nature becomes self-aware through our consciousness, linking us to the ultimate reality.
ReplyDeleteSchelling believed that mind and intelligence have always been present in nature - This concept made me understand the deeper truth of life and the relationship between God and the humans.
ReplyDeleteSchelling's idea that mind and intelligence were always present in nature, though undeveloped, is an intriguing but speculative claim that lacks empirical grounding in modern science.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s Philosophy of Man sees humanity as nature’s self-awareness, bridging nature and the Absolute through reason and consciousness. He contrasts his positive philosophy, emphasizing freedom, moral struggle, and redemption, with Hegel’s abstract “negative philosophy.”
ReplyDeleteAccording to Schelling, humans are the highest evolutions of the nature. Nature becomes fully conscious by helping humans to achieve their highest evolution. This reveals that the humans and nature are interconnected to attain their highest evolutions of becoming fully conscious.
ReplyDeleteSchelling saw humanity as nature becoming self-aware, bridging the gap between nature and the Absolute. He believed intelligence was always present in nature in latent forms, reaching full consciousness in humans. Through reason and self-awareness, humanity fulfills nature’s purpose, acting as its mirror.
ReplyDeleteI was intrigued by his philosophy of history, particularly his emphasis on freedom, the possibility of evil, and the struggle between good and evil as a driving force for human progress. His critique of Hegel, emphasizing the concrete realities of human existence over abstract ideas, provides a valuable contrast.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s idea is fascinating because it suggests that consciousness is not something new but has always existed in nature. It means that even seemingly lifeless things have hidden potential. This view makes nature feel more alive and connected to human existence. It also raises deep questions about the relationship between mind and matter.
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ReplyDeleteFor Schelling, man is the pinnacle of nature’s development. This idea stems from his belief in the unity of nature and spirit: This statement of Schelling makes me feel very precious and special to be human that I am not separate from nature. through human thoughts and awareness, nature begins to understand itself and its connection to God.
ReplyDeleteSchelling believed that humans are not separate from nature but are nature "coming to know itself." Through human consciousness, nature reflects on its own existence and understands its connection to the Absolute.
ReplyDeleteRedemption Through Self-Realization is a concept which paved the way to give more importance to being with oneself and helped me to grow in self-knowledge which enhanced my behaviours.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s philosophy highlights humanity as nature’s self-awareness but faces criticism for its mystical elements and lack of empirical basis. His idealism struggles to explain individuality, historical contingencies, and concrete human experiences effectively.
ReplyDeleteSchelling's philosophy of man emphasizes the unity of human nature with nature itself, positing that humans are a microcosm of the universe, with the absolute (God) dwelling within.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s Philosophy of Man highlights humanity as the culmination of nature’s evolution and a medium through which nature gains self-awareness. Emphasizing freedom, moral struggle, and redemption, he critiques Hegel’s abstract system, presenting his own “positive philosophy” as a celebration of individuality and the rich complexities of human existence.
ReplyDeleteSchelling viewed humans as nature’s peak, where the universe becomes self-aware through our consciousness, linking freedom, morality, and history. His focus on real-life experiences and moral growth set him apart from Hegel’s abstract ideas.
ReplyDeleteWhile individual choice plays a role, evil is often shaped by larger systems and contexts. Self-realisation teaches me that growth begins within, but addressing evil requires personal and collective transformation.
ReplyDeleteIn Philosophy of Man, Schelling sees humanity as nature becoming self-aware, emphasizing freedom, moral struggle, and redemption, while critiquing Hegel for overlooking concrete human existence.
ReplyDeleteAccording to Schelling Man, through reason and consciousness, is nature’s ultimate goal.
ReplyDeleteThrough humanity, nature becomes fully self-aware, fulfilling its purpose.
Schelling’s Philosophy of Man offers a profound view of humanity as the culmination of nature’s evolution, where self-consciousness in humans allows nature to reflect on its own existence. His focus on human freedom and moral struggle.
ReplyDeleteSchelling sees human beings as the core of nature's development. Human existence mirrors helping nature become aware. Humanity is special because it provides the link between nature and the Absolute. The absolute becomes fully aware when humans think about the universe consciously. Schelling's philosophy of man focuses on the real, concrete and distinguished way to explain humanity in the universe.
ReplyDeleteSchelling’s philosophy highlights humanity as the self-aware culmination of nature, emphasizing the profound role of freedom, moral struggle, and self-realization in our journey toward the Absolute.
ReplyDelete