F.W.J. Schelling (1775-1854) stands alongside J.G. Fichte and G.W.F. Hegel as one of the great
philosophers of the German idealist tradition. The Schelling Reader introduces students to
Schelling's philosophy by guiding them through the first ever English-language anthology of his
key texts-an anthology which showcases the vast array of his interests and concerns
(metaphysics epistemology philosophy of nature ethics aesthetics philosophy of religion
and mythology and political philosophy). The reader includes the most important passages from
all of Schelling's major works as well as lesser-known yet illuminating lectures and essays
revealing a philosopher rigorously and boldly grappling with some of the most difficult
philosophical problems for over six decades and constantly modifying and correcting his
earlier thought in light of new insights. Schelling's evolving philosophies have often
presented formidable challenges to the teaching of his thought. For the first time The
Schelling Reader arranges readings from his work thematically so as to bring to the fore the
basic continuity in his trajectory as well as the varied ways he tackles perennial problems.
Each of the twelve chapters includes sustained readings that span the whole of Schelling's
career along with explanatory notes and an editorial introduction that introduces the main
themes arguments and questions at stake in the text. The Editors' Introduction to the volume
as a whole also provides important details on the context of Schelling's life and work to help
students effectively engage with the material.
