Publisher's Synopsis
The Wissenschaftslehre of 1804/II is one of the most challenging texts of German Idealism in general and of Fichte's theoretical philosophy in particular. This detailed commentary clarifies its structure, stringently lays out the argumentation, and situates the text in the context of the whole of Fichte's writings. The focus is on the concept of "appearance" ("Erscheinung"), which has both transcendental philosophical relevance and reference to the later theory of images. The commentary contributes to the interpretation of Fichte in Berlin vis-a-vis his Jena works; it paves the way for the Fichte's ensuing confrontation with Schelling and Hegel; and, in its treatment of the problem of appearance, it connects to current debates on "image" and "phenomenon".
