Full Idea
If reason must criticise itself (in Kant) how does one avoid total scepticism? In my view, the problem that has animated the continental tradition since Jacobi (early 19th cent) is the threat of nihilism.
Clarification
'Nihilism' is loss of all serious beliefs
Gist of Idea
Continental philosophy fights the threatened nihilism in the critique of reason
Source
Simon Critchley (Interview with Baggini and Stangroom [2001], p.188)
Book Reference
Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.188
A Reaction
As an outsider to 'continental' philosophy, this is the most illuminating remark I have read about it. It is not only a plausible account of the movement, but also a very worth aim, which should be taken seriously by analytical philosophers.