The Problem of Knowledge: Philosophy, Science, and History Since Hegel

Copy in excellent condition! Complete satisfaction.

This German manuscript was left in Sweden in 1940 and translated into English after Cassirer died in 1945. Three prior volumes had been printed, so this book was written as a volume IV to cover years 1832-1932, after the death of Hegel to the years in which human understanding had social power obsessions in simple Fichte I not-I character societies. Understanding as an after-effect of experience reflects something in Hegel about truth as disappearing times that remain as eldritch as ever.

This was a book recommended, like some other books, through having read other books. I first heard about Ernst Cassirer through reading the superb "The Wholeness of Nature" by Henri Bortoft where he made use of some of Cassirer's work, especially that on symbolic forms. I expected much from this text and to some degree enjoyed it. I did find that just as he got going on an area and you wanted to hear more he stopped, he did this several times and I realised this was intentional so as not to be too focused on one subject. Cassirer has this ability to hook you into his prose even though you are not that impressed initially. His analysis of biology and physics especially are fascinating, his short comments on Goethe's philosophy are worth reading as they don't just dismiss him as many other writers have done.All round quite good but not great.