Hüttner Jörg

Gottsched's First Grounds (5th ed., 1748/49) of all philosophical disciplines can be found in Kant's own library: a Kant-Edition. Profound examples of Gottsched's conceptual influence towards Kant are: Criticism, Urteilskraft (Judgment) and the wording of pure versus mixed reason. With regard to the mind-body problem, Gottsched advocates the hypothesis of Physical Influx, in contrast to the Wolffian school's Preestablished Harmony. He is explicitly followed by Martin Knutzen, Kant's teacher in natural sciences. Up to the Critique of Judgment (1790), Kant addresses the question several times. A philosophical tradition from Gottsched via Knutzen to Kant is therefore indicated.

Jacob Hermann Obereit was at his time a famous figure in Germany’s intellectual life. In 1794, he arrived again in Jena where he became friends with Fichte and his wife. As such, he is said to be an early proponent of the Doctrine of Sciences. He lived in Fichte’s house and had conversations with the Fichte-Family at least twice a week. Fichte helped him out during times of material difficulties and illness. Until now, virtually no one considered Obereit adequately in any Fichte-Biography (except Noack). For thus, an overview concerning the known sources could be of great service and an addition to any biographical Fichte-research. These sources are 1. Obereit’s biography by Schlichtegroll, 2. Two letters of correspondence between Schelling and Obereit 3. A contribution by Obereit in Fichte’s and Niethammer’s Journal 4. A report on Obereit defending Fichte’s doctrine 5. Several testimonies within Fichte’s correspondence. On Obereit’s passing, Johanna Fichte wrote: “We were in love with the righteous old man”. He died on February 2 in 1798.