Single Idea 20255

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / C. History of Philosophy / 4. Later European Philosophy / d. Nineteenth century philosophy]

Full Idea

Early 19th century German philosophers retreated to the first and oldest level of speculation, for, like the thinkers of dreamy ages, they found satisfaction in concepts rather than in explanations - they resuscitated a prescientific type of philosophy.

Gist of Idea

Early 19th century German philosophers enjoyed concepts, rather than scientific explanations

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Dawn (Daybreak) [1881], 197)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Dawn (Daybreak) (v 5)', ed/tr. Smith, Brittain [Stanford 2011], p.142


A Reaction

I have a suspicion that this may still apply to 'continental philosophy'. Personally I love explanations, which lead to understanding. But not all explanations are scientific.

Related Ideas

Idea 6845 Continental philosophy has a bad tendency to offer 'one big thing' to explain everything [Critchley]

Idea 8217 Philosophy is a concept-creating discipline [Deleuze/Guattari]