1.1 Introduction to Continental Philosophy PDF

Study Section 1.1: Introduction to Continental philosophy  Study outcomes After completion of this study unit, you should be able to: Give an explanation of why a split occurred between analytic philosophy and Continental philosophy; Give a broader explanation of this spli...

Study Section 1.1: Introduction to Continental philosophy  Study outcomes After completion of this study unit, you should be able to: Give an explanation of why a split occurred between analytic philosophy and Continental philosophy; Give a broader explanation of this split with reference to Frege and Husserl, as well as Carnap and Heidegger; Describe some of the major movements within Continental philosophy.  Definitions Analytic philosophy- http://saphilglossary.com/ This tradition is generally characterized by a focus on logical analysis and clarity of language. It started with philosophers like Frege, Russell, and Moore and evolved through different phases, including the influence of Wittgenstein, the Oxford linguistic philosophers, and American post-positivist trends. Continental philosophy- http://saphilglossary.com/ This tradition includes a variety of movements like phenomenology, existentialism, hermeneutics, and post- structuralism. Unlike analytic philosophy, the term "continental philosophy" was not a self-description but rather a label used by analytic philosophers to describe what they saw as the "other" tradition.  Challenges in Definitions Defining these traditions precisely is difficult. Analytic philosophy is sometimes loosely defined by a combination of styles, methods, and topics. Continental philosophy, on the other hand, is harder to define because it encompasses a wide range of different movements and ideas.  Historical Background The perceived divide between analytic and continental philosophy emerged post-World War II and solidified in the 1960s and 1970s. Origins of the Divide The idea of a divide has roots in earlier philosophical disagreements, such as the rejection of British idealism by Russell and Moore. This rejection contributed to the emergence of analytic philosophy and set the stage for its later opposition to continental philosophy. Prescribed material: Vrahimis, A. 2013. Encounters between Analytic and Continental Philosophy. London, New York: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 1-10; 11-14; 31-32.  The impact of the “divide” This divide has influenced the structure of philosophy departments worldwide Barriers to Communication This divide has made it difficult for philosophers from each tradition to communicate with each other. Efforts to bridge the gap often failed, reinforcing the belief in this division. Examples include the unsuccessful dialogues between philosophers like Frege and Husserl, Carnap and Heidegger, and others. Misinterpretations: Many of these failed attempts at dialogue have been misinterpreted or exaggerated, which has further solidified the idea of a divide.  Husserl and Frege Edmund Husserl and Gottlob Frege: These two figures are central to the dispute over psychologism. Psychologism- the view that problems of epistemology (i.e., of the validity of human knowledge) can be solved satisfactorily by the psychological study of the development of mental processes.  Husserl and Frege Husserl Frege Husserl was a mathematician and Frege, a mathematician, logician, and philosopher who became the focal philosopher, founded modern logic. point of the anti-psychologistic Frege, who made significant thesis. contributions to logic, is often seen as the Husserl, who developed grandfather of analytical philosophy. phenomenology, is sometimes considered one of the founders of continental’ philosophy.  Michael Dummett’s view Compared their contributions Noted that while Frege and Husserl seemed closely aligned in their early work, their ideas eventually led to very different philosophical paths. He likened them to the Rhine and Danube rivers, which start close to each other but then flow in entirely different directions. Dummett speculated that a small difference in their thoughts grew into the significant divide between analytical and continental philosophy. He suggested that Frege's focus on the "linguistic turn," which emphasizes the study of language and meaning, set the stage for analytical philosophy. Husserl, on the other hand, did not limit his theory of meaning to language alone, which kept his focus broader and led to phenomenology and continental philosophy.  Heidegger-Carnap Dispute Background and Context In the late 1920s and early 1930s, a significant philosophical disagreement occurred between: Martin Heidegger, a prominent Continental philosopher, and Rudolf Carnap, a leading figure in the Analytic tradition. This disagreement is often seen as a crucial moment in the divide between Continental and Analytic philosophy.  The Dispute's Origin Heidegger’s Lecture: The disagreement began with Heidegger's inaugural lecture, "What is Metaphysics?" at the University of Freiburg in 1929. In this lecture, Heidegger explored the meaning of metaphysics and introduced radical ideas that built on his earlier work, "Being and Time.“ Carnap’s Critique: Carnap responded to Heidegger's ideas with his essay, "The Elimination of Metaphysics Through Logical Analysis of Language.“ He criticized Heidegger’s use of language and concepts, arguing that many of Heidegger’s metaphysical statements were meaningless according to the logical positivist criterion of meaning.  Philosophical Differences Nature of Truth: The core of the dispute revolves around different understandings of truth and its expression. Heidegger believed in multiple ways of disclosing truth beyond logical and empirical methods, including existential and phenomenological insights. Carnap, insisted that only statements verifiable through logic and empirical observation were meaningful. Role of Metaphysics: Carnap sought to eliminate metaphysics from philosophy, viewing it as non-scientific and meaningless. Heidegger, aimed to reframe metaphysics to uncover deeper existential truths about being and nothingness.  Historical and Educational Influences Heidegger Carnap Heidegger aligned more with the existential Carnap leaned towards a more scientific and and phenomenological aspects. logical approach. Neo-Kantianism: Both philosophers started Neo-Kantianism: Both philosophers started their careers influenced by Neo-Kantianism, their careers influenced by Neo-Kantianism, which shaped their early thinking. which shaped their early thinking. Heidegger studied under Heinrich Rickert, Carnap studied under Bruno Bauch, both and. prominent Neo-Kantians  Impact and Legacy Philosophical Divide: This dispute highlighted and deepened the divide between Continental and Analytic philosophy, with each side developing distinct methods, questions, and criteria for philosophical inquiry. Modern Relevance: The disagreement still influences contemporary philosophy, with ongoing debates about the nature of philosophy, the role of metaphysics, and the appropriate methods for seeking and expressing truth.  Major movements within Continental philosophy. Davos Davos as a Sanatorium: Davos was known for its sanatoriums (health resorts) where people went to recover from mental and physical illnesses. The Transition from Medical to Intellectual Tourism Town leaders started an annual academic conference, called Hochschule, to bring Europe's top scholars and students to Davos to discuss contemporary crises. Gordon, P. 2011. When Philosophy Mattered. New Republic. https://newrepublic.com/article/81380/heidegger-cassirer-davos-kant. Date of access: 1 May 2024.  Major movements within Continental philosophy. Themes of the Conferences: The conferences covered different topics each year: 1928: Revolution in physics and natural sciences. 1929: Philosophy (most memorable). 1930: Social sciences. 1931: The crisis of "Bildung" (culture, education, self-formation).  The 1929 Philosophical Debate Heidegger vs. Cassirer: The debate was a major intellectual event. Cassirer (a Jewish philosopher) Heidegger (later associated with anti-Semitism and the Nazi Party) debated the question, "What is it to be a human being?“ Key Philosophical Questions: Cassirer: Believed human progress comes from rationality and the ability to create symbols and meaning. Heidegger: Focused on human finitude (limitations) and existential questions, emphasizing that scientific reason cannot grasp the true essence of existence.  The Legacy of the Davos Debate Significance: The debate had a lasting impact on philosophy. It represented a clash between different approaches to understanding humanity and the world. Reflection on Modernity: The debate reflected broader cultural and intellectual crises of the time. It highlighted the ongoing tension between rationalist and existentialist perspectives in philosophy.  The Broader Significance Gordon seeks to understand the deeper significance of the Heidegger-Cassirer debate and how it became so historically meaningful. He warns against simplifying philosophical ideas to mere reflections of political power Emphasizes the importance of recognizing the complex interplay between philosophy, culture, and history.  Recommended material Grayling, A.C. 2020. The history of Philosophy: Three millennia of thought from the West and beyond. London, New York: Penguin Books. pp. 471-472. Overthink Podcast. 2023, 17 Feb. Continental philosophy: What is it, and why is it a thing? [YouTube video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXRmymmSRiI Date of access: 1 May 2024. THANK YOU