Single Idea 22019

[catalogued under 16. Persons / B. Nature of the Self / 6. Self as Higher Awareness]

Full Idea

I can be conscious of any object only on the condition that I am also conscious of myself, that is, of the conscious subject. This proposition is incontrovertible.

Gist of Idea

Consciousness of an object always entails awareness of the self

Source

Johann Fichte (The Science of Knowing (Wissenschaftslehre) [1st ed] [1794], p.112), quoted by Terry Pinkard - German Philosophy 1760-1860 05

Book Reference

Pinkard,Terry: 'German Philosophy 1760-1860' [CUP 2002], p.119


A Reaction

[from the 1797/8 version of Wissenschaftslehre] Russell might be cross to find that his idea on this was anticipated by Fichte. I still approve of the idea.

Related Idea

Idea 5381 In seeing the sun, we are acquainted with our self, but not as a permanent person [Russell]