
Continental Philosophy: A Very Short Introduction
Reviews

I found this an extremely useful introduction to the history and major ideas within "continental" philosophy. Some ideas I found helpful: - that continental philosophy is best seen as a network of texts in dialogue with one another, rather than addressing a set of problems directly - the idea of revolutionary tradition, or forcing a crisis, based on re-activating a heritage which has hardened and become habitual - that Nietzsche saw nihilism as generated by a contradiction within Christian/Platonic metaphysics, rather than an external challenge (I was reminded of Gödel) The downside was that I found the author's attitude towards scientists almost ludicrously patronizing. If I understand his view he sees science (which he conflates with mathematics and technology) as operating under a fixed set of principles, namely the logical positivism of the early 20th century. He does not grant science, or by extension scientists, the capacity for methodological self-awareness or multiplicity of approaches that are assumed to be the exclusive domain of philosophy. This is disappointing, as I think there is an interesting discussion to be had - but the treatment here is very superficial. Besides that irritation, it's a concise and thought-provoking survey. Overall, highly recommended.


