The Role of Theory of Subjectivity in Herder’s Twofold Naturalism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Candidate of Modern Western Philosophy, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This essay seeks to establish that theory of subjectivity can play a foundational role in philosophical naturalism, provided that subjectivity is treated immanently. In this regard, here, Johann Gottfried Herder’s naturalistic project is explored as a possible source for an immanent formulation of subjectivity. It is explained that Herder's naturalism unfolds in two aspects: methodological and ontological. These two aspects seem to be inconsistent, as the former, which is based on a kind of linguistic turn, is anti-foundational, while the latter considers sensuality as foundation. It is argued that this inconsistency is resolved through the theory of subjectivity. To prove this, the interdependent relationship between Herder's theory of subjectivity and the ontological aspect of his naturalism is elucidated. According to him, on the one hand, subjectivity is not explained in terms of the clarity of consciousness but in terms of the obscurity of Being, and on the other hand, Being itself is conceptual. Moreover, because Being is conceived in conformity with the perceptual limitations of the finite subject, the conceptual articulation of Being is necessarily through language. Thus, the methodological or linguistic aspect of Herder's thought is integrated into his philosophical program as an indispensable component of it.

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References

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Journal of Philosophical Investigations
Volume 19, Issue 52 - Serial Number 52
No. 52 Autumn 2025
November 2025
Pages 197-214

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