«An infinitely growing pact with oneself»: Novalis on the origin of philosophy
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: The present article seeks to inquire the nature of Novalis’ difficult relation with philosophy. By founding this relation in a primordial spiritual conflict, wherein philosophy is the cause and the solution for the latter, as well as in an inescapable mythical understanding, wherein philosophy is at the same time necessary, and yet necessarily expendable, we intend to prove Novalis’ own seemingly contradictory, yet infinitely productive concept of philosophizing: one where philosophizing is a ductile, organic way of dealing with the problem between the human being and the absolute. Furthermore, we wish to prove how this is most visibly considered in the sub-problem of the origin of philosophy, which sets the tone for Novalis’ remaining philosophical edifice and inscribes him as one of the leading opposers of a systematic philosophy – and hence, as an advocator of the impossibility of attaining the absolute through philosophy.
Source: Revista de Filosofia Aurora
Author: Fernando M. F. Silva
Institutions: University of Lisbon, Centro de Filosofia
Language: English
Subfield: Philosophy
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funder: European Commission
Awards: G434337789, Kant in South America
OpenAlex ID: W3022997048