From the perspective of mere representation, the external world always remains only a phenomenon.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead
The knife of historical relativism... which has cut to pieces all metaphysics and religion must also bring about healing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Historical relativism challenges traditional beliefs, but it can also lead to understanding and healing.
In this quote, Wilhelm Dilthey suggests that the concept of historical relativism, which questions fixed truths in metaphysics and religion, has the potential not only to dismantle established ideas but also to foster healing and understanding. By critically examining and breaking down such beliefs, individuals may find new ways to comprehend their existence and relationships with the world, leading to a transformative experience.
Themes
Historical RelativismMetaphysicsReligionHealingUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on philosophical thought, I could reference this quote to discuss the impact of historical perspectives on personal beliefs.
More from Wilhelm Dilthey
All quotes βAny theory intended to describe and analyze socio-historical reality cannot restrict itself to the human spirit and disregard the totality of human nature.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead
The sciences which take socio-historical reality as their subject matter are seeking, more intensively than ever before, their systematic relations to one another and to their foundation.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead
All science is experiential; but all experience must be related back to and derives its its validity from the conditions and context of consciousness in which it arises, i.e., the totality of our nature.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead
If there were a science of human beings it would be anthropology that aims at understanding the totality of experience through structural context.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead
The individual always realizes only one of the possibilities in his development, which could always have taken a different turning whenever he had to make an important decision.
Wilhelm DiltheyRead
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