Single Idea 6836

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / H. Continental Philosophy / 1. Continental Philosophy]

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.