Neokantyści Wilhelm Windelband, Heinrich Rickert i Ernst Cassirer wobec filozofii renesansu

Abstract

Neo-Kantianism as a philosophical formation is characterised primarily by its reference to the philosophy of Immanuel Kant. Nevertheless, to say that the essence of Neo-Kantianism was solely a renewal of Kant's philosophy is insufficient. Also specific to this formation was the adaptation of Kant's thought to the new chalenges of philosophy at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A uniquely exciting analogy for Neo-Kantian philosophy is its reference to the thought of the Renaissance period. Just as the Renaissance marked the revival of many ancient philosophical currents (Platonism, Neoplatonism, Aristotelianism, Stoicism, Epicureanism, Scepticism and even Ionian natural philosophy) in the early modern period, Neo-Kantianism represented a kind of Renaissance of Kant’s philosophy. This affinity of thought is suggested by representatives of the two most important Neo-Kantian schools: Wilhelm Windelband, Heinrich Rickert and Ernst Cassirer. This article focuses on this historical-philosophical parallel by examining the relationship between Neo-Kantianism and Renaissance philosophy. The results show that Neo-Kantianism is not limited to an apologetic repetition of Kant’s philosophy but constitutes a heterodox and critical renewal of it. Such an apologetic approach did not work in modern philosophy, which is dominated by the spirit of criticism. Thus, the Neo-Kantian formation shows deep connections with other periods in the history of philosophy, such as Renaissance philosophy, as a breakthrough period initiating a modern mode of reflection. Understanding the relationship between Neo-Kantianism and other philosophical movements can help us appreciate the richness and complexity of contemporary philosophical thought.