Philosophy of Mind
Oxford Scholarship Online September 20, 2018 DOI: 10.1093/oso/9780199588367.003.0006 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractHerder's philosophy of mind offers a powerful alternative to dualism, mind-brain identity, and behaviorism by wavering between neutral monism and materialism. He reconceived immortality in naturalized terms, argued for the unity of the mind's faculties, and held that minds are fundamentally social yet include individuality. He also developed a rich theory of the unconscious. These ideas influenced Hegel, Schleiermacher, and Nietzsche.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that Herder's philosophy of mind offers advantages over dualism, mind–brain identity, and behaviorism, and influenced later thinkers such as Hegel, Schleiermacher, and Nietzsche. |
Abstract
Herder developed a very powerful and influential philosophy of mind. He was the source of Hegel’s famous threefold distinction between subjective, objective, and absolute mind (or Geist). Concerning the fundamental mind–body question he wavered between neutral monism and materialism, but developed a theory that has marked advantages over rival theories such as dualism, mind–brain identity, and behaviorism. Accordingly, he also developed a naturalized reconception of immortality. He also worked out an important theory of the unity of the mind’s faculties. In addition, he argued both that minds are fundamentally social and that they nonetheless include individuality. And finally, he developed a rich and original theory of the unconscious. These positions are not only of great intrinsic value, but also exercised a powerful influence on successors such as Hegel, Schleiermacher, and Nietzsche.