Tom Rockmore Libri

Phenomenology, together with Marxism, pragmatism, and analytic philosophy, dominated philosophy in the 20th century and Edmund Husserl is usually thought to have been the first to develop the concept. The author argues for a return to phenomenology's origins in epistemology and does so by locating its roots in the work of Immanuel Kant.

Examining the relationship between Hegel and Anglo-American analytical philosophies, the author argues that the first generation of British analytic philosophers had, in fact, a limited understanding of this field, leading to a misunderstanding of Hegel's philosophies in a number of areas.

Exploring the foundations of philosophy, Tom Rockmore challenges the traditional view established by Parmenides that thought and being are identical. He argues against the existence of a non-mind-dependent reality, advocating instead for a constructivist perspective where knowledge is shaped by mental constructs. The book traces the evolution of philosophical thought from ancient figures like Plato and Aristotle to modern thinkers such as Kant and Hegel, revealing how these ideas can be reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, fostering new connections in philosophical discourse.

In this engaging and accessible introduction to Hegel's theory of knowledge, Tom Rockmore brings together the philosopher's life, his thought, and his historical moment--without, however, reducing one to another. Laying out the philosophical tradition of German idealism, Rockmore concisely explicates the theories of Kant, Fichte, and Schelling, essential to an understanding of Hegel's thought. He then explores Hegel's formulation of his own position in relation to this tradition and follows Hegel's ideas through the competing interpretations of his successors. Even today, according to Rockmore, Hegel's system remains an essentially modern conception of knowledge, superior to Kant's critical philosophy and surprisingly relevant to our philosophical situation. Rockmore's remarkably lucid and succinct introduction to Hegel's thought, with its distinctively historical approach, will benefit students of philosophy, intellectual history, politics, culture, and society.

The influence of early Greek thought on Heidegger's philosophical development is well documented, but Heidegger's relation to modern philosophy, particularly that of German idealists such as Immanuel Kant, Johann Gottlieb Fichte, and G W F Hegel, has not attracted the attention it deserves. Kant is particularly crucial to understanding Heidegger, since the reformulation of Kantian thought that led to German neo-Kantianism provided an important part of the intellectual climate in which Heidegger formulated his own position. This book examines the little-known but crucial link between Heidegger's theories and his reading of German philosophy - especially idealist and neo-Kantian strains. The analyses and evaluations of Heidegger's writings offered here represent a wide range of views, running from those who agree with Heidegger to those who are deeply critical.

Distinguished scholar and philosopher Tom Rockmore examines one of the great lacunae of contemporary philosophical discussion--idealism. Addressing the widespread confusion about the meaning and use of the term, he surveys and classifies some of its major forms, giving particular attention to Kant. He argues that Kant provides the all-important link between three main types of idealism: those associated with Plato, the new way of ideas, and German idealism. The author also makes a case for the contemporary relevance of at least one strand in the tangled idealist web, a strand most clearly identified with Kant: constructivism. In terms of the philosophical tradition, Rockmore contends, constructivism offers a lively, interesting, and important approach to knowledge after the decline of metaphysical realism.

Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit is a pivotal philosophical work of the nineteenth century. In this companion volume to his general introduction to Hegel, Tom Rockmore provides a passage-by-passage guide tailored for first-time readers and those unfamiliar with Hegel. He argues that Hegel's concepts of spirit, consciousness, and reason form a coherent theory of knowledge that remains relevant today. Rockmore explains how the text's various conceptions of cognition lead to absolute knowing, interpreting this culmination in a secular manner, contrasting with common religious interpretations. He distinguishes his analysis by situating Hegel’s work within its philosophical context, engaging with the ideas of Aristotle, Descartes, Kant, and other German idealists. This approach clarifies notoriously difficult passages and enriches the reader's understanding of Hegel's intent and the philosophical landscape of his time. By examining the connections between Hegel's ideas and those of earlier thinkers, Rockmore illuminates the significance of the Phenomenology, making it accessible and relevant for contemporary discussions in philosophy.

"Marx After Marxism" invites readers to explore Karl Marx beyond traditional political interpretations. This accessible volume provides a comprehensive overview of Marx's philosophy, highlighting his connection to Hegel, and encourages fresh perspectives on his ideas for both Marxists and non-Marxists alike.

Exploring the concept of constructivism, this volume presents an innovative approach to knowledge, drawing from the insights of influential philosophers like Hobbes, Vico, and Kant. Rockmore delves into the historical development of constructivist thought, offering a fresh perspective that integrates these foundational ideas into a cohesive epistemological framework.

Fichte's contributions to political theory, particularly in his work Foundations of Natural Right, are explored in this collection of essays. Recognized as a pivotal figure in philosophy and a significant influence on the Romantic tradition, Fichte's radical political ideas shaped contemporary thought and continue to resonate in modern political discourse. The essays delve into his original perspectives and their lasting impact on both his contemporaries and current political debates.