The Formation of the Fichtean and Schellingian Concept of Intellectual Intuition

Abstract

This study examines how the Fichtean and Schellingian concepts of intellectual intuition and their differences were formed during the last decade of the 18th century. The first part focuses on how Fichte based his concept of intellectual intuition on Kant’s critical philosophy, despite the Kantian prohibition. At the same time, this retrospectively poses the question how close did the Critique of Pure Reason get to the concept, even though it rendered its use illegitimate. Then, the study analyzes the role of early Schelling in the formation of the Fichtean concept, as well as the interaction of the two thinkers in this respect during the decade. Furthermore, the study briefly discusses how Schelling developed in his philosophy of nature the form of intellectual intuition, which was abstracted from self-consciousness. It also touches on its history, as well as its consequences for the entire concept.