Article
Europe: A Postulate of Phenomenological Reason
Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology
(2016)
Abstract
This paper presents Husserl’s concept of Europe as a postulate of phenomenological reason. I begin by showing that a certain interpretation of history is necessary in order for phenomenology to be possible as science. I then show how Husserl’s concept of Europe enables this interpretation. Working with a general definition of postulation that brings Husserl into conversation with Kant, I examine the motives and truth conditions for asserting that Europe is what Husserl claims it to be. I highlight the critical import of Husserl’s concept by identifying three criteria it establishes for authentically European history: denationalization, renaissance and Europeanization. I conclude by considering the inherently controversial nature of “Europe” and outline the space for a contest of concepts that would serve the same theoretical–practical function.
Keywords
- Husserl,
- Europe,
- Kant,
- Postulate,
- History
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer June 16, 2016
Citation Information
Kenneth Knies. "Europe: A Postulate of Phenomenological Reason" Journal of the British Society for Phenomenology (2016) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kenneth_knies/13/