The Human Vocation in German Philosophy: Critical Essays and 18th Century Sources

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In 18th-century Germany philosophers were occupied with questions of who we are and what we should be. Can the individual fulfill its vocation or is this possible only for humanity as a whole Is significant progress towards perfection in any way possible for me or just for me as part of humanity By following the origin and nature of these debates, this collection sheds light on the vocation of humanity in early German philosophy. Featuring translations of Spaldings Contemplation on the Vocation of the Human Being in its first version from 1748 and an extended translation of Abbts and Mendelssohns epistolary discussion around the Doubts and the Oracle from 1767, newly-commissioned chapters cover Johann Gottfried Herders inherently cultural concept of the human being, Immanuel Kants transformative interplay of moral and natural aspects, and the notion of metempsychosis in Fichtes work inspired by two neglected philosophers, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing and Johann Georg Schlosser. Opening further lines of inquiry, contributors address questions about the adaptations of Spaldings work that focus on the vocation of women as wife, mother or citizen. Exploring the multitude of ways 18th-century German thinkers understand our position in the world, this volume captures major changes in metaphysics and anthropology and enriches current debates within modern philosophy.

Reviews

The 18th century debate about the vocation of human being gave shape and direction to later philosophy. Yet the debate, especially its early phases, remain curiously under-researched. With its translation of original sources and ten newly commissioned essays by leading scholars in the field, this volume represents a valuable addition to our understanding of the Enlightenment, Idealism, and beyond. * Kristin Gjesdal, Professor of Philosophy, Temple University, USA *
This volume is essential reading for anyone interested in the perennial questions of what we are and who we ought to become. The lucid translations and erudite discussions of texts on the human vocation are a major contribution to studies in classical German philosophy. * John Walsh, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg, Germany *
This volume does an excellent job of capturing the German Enlightenment's fascination with life's meaning, understood in terms of the human vocation. With translations of source materials and a collection of related essays, this book will interest anyone who has ever wondered about the human being's place in the world. * Reed Winegar, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Fordham University, USA *

Author Bio

Anne Pollok is Research Associate (tenured) at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany. Courtney D. Fugate is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Florida State University, USA.