Egotism in German Philosophy

Name: Egotism in German Philosophy
Author: George Santayana

By George Santayana

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German Literature Philosophy & Ethics

About This Book

A critical study traces a distinctive German philosophical current that privileges subjective selfhood and the will, arguing that transcendental methods and a Protestant intellectual heritage foster a persistent egotism in metaphysical thought. It surveys the development of that tendency through key thinkers, notes its manifestations in ethics and the idea of a superior will, and examines its rupture with Christian moral frameworks. The author critiques the tendency to glorify inwardness as intellectually and practically pernicious, warns that such self-centered metaphysics can encourage aggressive cultural or political attitudes, and urges clearer, less egotistical modes of reflection.

About the Author

George Santayana

George Santayana was a Spanish-American philosopher, poet, and novelist, known for his contributions to aesthetics and philosophy. Born in 1863, he spent much of his life in the United States, where he became a prominent figure in the intellectual landscape. His notable works include "The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress," which explores the interplay between human thought and cultural development. Santayana's writings often reflect a deep skepticism and a unique blend of philosophical inquiry with poetic expression, making him a significant voice in modern philosophy. His exploration of beauty and truth continues to resonate in contemporary discussions of art and philosophy.