Issue #41

Abstract: The first lecture from the series “Lectures on the Method of University Education” (1802) is published, in which Schelling presents his understanding of the idea of science and university education. The philosopher justifies the necessity of knowing the organic whole of all sciences, which must precede the study of individual disciplines. The basis of such a whole is the absolute notion of Science, which is revealed through the idea of Primal Knowledge (Urwissen) — the single source of all knowledge. Schelling examines the relationship between knowledge and action, asserting their absolute unity in idea, and criticizes the utilitarian attitude towards science. The lecture contains reflections on the role of philosophy as the “science of all sciences”, on freedom and necessity, and on the purpose of the university in shaping a holistic scientific spirit.