Hegel vs. Schelling

Attribute	Hegel	Schelling
Birth Year	1770	1775
Philosophical System	Idealism	Naturphilosophie
Key Concepts	Dialectics, Absolute Spirit	Identity, Absolute
Influence on Existentialism	Indirect	Direct

Background

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling were two prominent German philosophers who were active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Both Hegel and Schelling were associated with German Idealism, a philosophical movement that emphasized the importance of the mind and consciousness in shaping reality. Despite their shared intellectual heritage, Hegel and Schelling had distinct philosophical views and approaches that set them apart from each other.

Metaphysics

One of the key differences between Hegel and Schelling lies in their respective metaphysical systems. Hegel's philosophy is characterized by his concept of dialectical idealism, which posits that reality is ultimately a product of the mind's dialectical process of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. In contrast, Schelling's philosophy is rooted in his concept of absolute idealism, which holds that reality is grounded in an absolute, unchanging principle that underlies all existence.

Epistemology

When it comes to epistemology, Hegel and Schelling also diverge in their approaches to knowledge and understanding. Hegel's epistemology is based on his belief in the power of reason and rationality to uncover the underlying truths of reality. He argued that through the dialectical process of thought, one could arrive at a comprehensive understanding of the world. On the other hand, Schelling's epistemology is more mystical and intuitive, emphasizing the role of intuition and insight in grasping the fundamental nature of existence.

Ethics

In terms of ethics, Hegel and Schelling had differing views on the nature of morality and the good life. Hegel's ethical philosophy is grounded in his concept of the ethical state, which he believed was the highest expression of human freedom and self-realization. He argued that individuals could only achieve true moral autonomy within the context of a rational, ethical community. In contrast, Schelling's ethics are more focused on the individual's relationship to the absolute and the pursuit of spiritual fulfillment through self-realization and self-transcendence.

Politics

Both Hegel and Schelling were deeply interested in political philosophy, but they approached the subject from different perspectives. Hegel's political philosophy is best known for his concept of the dialectical progression of history towards the realization of freedom and self-determination through the development of the state. He believed that the state was the embodiment of the ethical life of a community and that individuals could only achieve true freedom within the context of a rational political order. Schelling, on the other hand, was more skeptical of the state and its ability to promote individual freedom, emphasizing instead the importance of spiritual and cultural renewal as the basis for a truly just society.

Influence

Despite their philosophical differences, both Hegel and Schelling had a significant impact on the development of Western philosophy. Hegel's dialectical method and his emphasis on the historical development of ideas have had a lasting influence on a wide range of thinkers, from Karl Marx to Jean-Paul Sartre. Schelling's emphasis on the absolute and the spiritual dimension of existence has also left its mark on later philosophers, such as Martin Heidegger and Jacques Derrida. While Hegel and Schelling may have had divergent views on many philosophical issues, their contributions to the history of ideas are undeniable.