How History Matters to Philosophy

Reconsidering Philosophy’s Past After Positivism

Nonfiction, History, Reference, Historiography, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Criticism, & Surveys
Cover of the book How History Matters to Philosophy by Robert C. Scharff, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert C. Scharff ISBN: 9781134626809
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 3, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Robert C. Scharff
ISBN: 9781134626809
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 3, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In recent decades, widespread rejection of positivism’s notorious hostility toward the philosophical tradition has led to renewed debate about the real relationship of philosophy to its history. How History Matters to Philosophy takes a fresh look at this debate. Current discussion usually starts with the question of whether philosophy’s past should matter, but Scharff argues that the very existence of the debate itself demonstrates that it already does matter. After an introductory review of the recent literature, he develops his case in two parts. In Part One, he shows how history actually matters for even Plato’s Socrates, Descartes, and Comte, in spite of their apparent promotion of conspicuously ahistorical Platonic, Cartesian, and Positivistic ideals. In Part Two, Scharff argues that the real issue is not whether history matters; rather it is that we already have a history, a very distinctive and unavoidable inheritance, which paradoxically teaches us that history’s mattering is merely optional. Through interpretations of Dilthey, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, he describes what thinking in a historically determinate way actually involves, and he considers how to avoid the denial of this condition that our own philosophical inheritance still seems to expect of us. In a brief conclusion, Scharff explains how this book should be read as part of his own effort to acknowledge this condition rather than deny it.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In recent decades, widespread rejection of positivism’s notorious hostility toward the philosophical tradition has led to renewed debate about the real relationship of philosophy to its history. How History Matters to Philosophy takes a fresh look at this debate. Current discussion usually starts with the question of whether philosophy’s past should matter, but Scharff argues that the very existence of the debate itself demonstrates that it already does matter. After an introductory review of the recent literature, he develops his case in two parts. In Part One, he shows how history actually matters for even Plato’s Socrates, Descartes, and Comte, in spite of their apparent promotion of conspicuously ahistorical Platonic, Cartesian, and Positivistic ideals. In Part Two, Scharff argues that the real issue is not whether history matters; rather it is that we already have a history, a very distinctive and unavoidable inheritance, which paradoxically teaches us that history’s mattering is merely optional. Through interpretations of Dilthey, Nietzsche, and Heidegger, he describes what thinking in a historically determinate way actually involves, and he considers how to avoid the denial of this condition that our own philosophical inheritance still seems to expect of us. In a brief conclusion, Scharff explains how this book should be read as part of his own effort to acknowledge this condition rather than deny it.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Transition and Development in China by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Urban Deprivation and the Inner City by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Creative Governance by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Islamic Urban Studies by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Understanding and Teaching the ICT National Curriculum by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Creating Connections for Better Schools by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book (Sub)Urban Sexscapes by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Oil in the Gulf by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Tunisia's International Relations since the 'Arab Spring' by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Couples Therapy by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Galatians by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Perishable Material Culture in Prehistory by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Psychoanalytic Studies of Organizations by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book Sex and Eroticism in Mesopotamian Literature by Robert C. Scharff
Cover of the book English Legal System by Robert C. Scharff
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy