INTRODUCING FICHTE'S SYSTEM OF ETHICAL IDEALISM

FICHTE, JOHANN GOTTLIEB.

Grundlage des Naturrechts nach Principien der Wissenschaftslehre. 2 vols.

Iena und Leipzig, Christian Ernst Gabler, 1796 & 1797. Tall 8vo. An absolutely lovely set, bound in two contemporary, uniform half calf bindings with blindstamped and gilt ornamentations to spines. Marbled edges. A bit of wear to extremities, but overall very well kept. Book plate of Th de Jonghe to inside of front boards. (24), 229, (1, -errata); (2), 269 pp.

The rare first edition of both volumes of one of Fichte's most important and influential works.

Fichte begins his fundamental "Foundation of Natural Rights" with his famous theories of self-consciousness and on the basis of this develops his system of ethical idealism, which came to greatly effect early 18th century thought.

"In the history of philosophy, Fichte's thought marks a crucial transitional stage between Kant and post-Kantian philosophy. Fichte radicalized Kant's thought by arguing that human freedom, not external reality, must be the starting point of all systematic philosophy, and in Foundations of Natural Right, thought by many to be his most important work of political philosophy, he applies his ideas to fundamental issues in political and legal philosophy, covering such topics as civic freedom, rights, private property, contracts, family relations, and the foundations of modern political organization." (Cambridge Texts in the History of Philosophy)

(See PMM 244)

Order-nr.: 52578