Proteus, or 'über den Grund der Zusammengehörigkeit.' R. H. Lotze on idea, concept, and variation (via Frege and Heidegger)
Abstract
Even though it would be premature to speak of a contemporary resurgence of interest in Lotze's multifaceted philosophical thought, recent years have witnessed a steadily growing number of scholars who have returned to Lotze's thinking, its influence, significance, and legacy. This historical and conceptual mindfulness to Lotze's importance stands in striking contrast with the oblivion surrounding Lotze for the better part of the latter half of the twentieth century, which, in turn, stands in striking contrast with the widespread recognition and presence of Lotze's thinking at the end of the nineteenth century for different generations and traditions of philosophical thought.
As William James wrote to G. S.
Hall in 1879: "He is the most delectable, certainly, of all German writers - a pure genius."1 Lotze's "genius" was indeed pervasive in its reach.