The paradox of existence : philosophy and aesthetics in the young Schelling / by Leonardo V. Distaso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. The dissertation of 1792 on the origin of evil -- 2. Schelling's Timaeus -- 3. The essay on the possibility of a form of all philosophy (1794) -- 4. The opposition between the unconditional -- 5. The dramatization of contrast -- 6. The paradox of opposition -- 7. Philosophy of nature -- 8. The system of transcendental idealism (1800) -- 9. Epilogue on earth.

"This essay reconstructs Schelling's philosophical development during the years 1794-1800. It emphasizes the role of Kant's heritage within Schelling's early philosophy, and the strong relationship between Schelling and Holderlin during their Tubingen years. The central question it explores is how the Absolute relates to Finiteness - a relation that constitutes the basis of transcendental idealism as well as the essence of a transcendental philosophy, here radically understood as a philosophy of finitude and as a critical aesthetics.

The essay shows the young Schelling as he presents a rich and novel field of inquiry, which provides a credible and engaging alternative to Hegelian thinking and anticipates themes from twentieth-century philosophy (Phenomenology, Existentialism, Critical Thinking). The volume thus provides both a historical and a contemporary look at Schelling's early philosophy, and at its original and speculative approach."--Jacket.