Criticism from within nature

Abstract

I tackle the definition of the relation between first and second nature while examining some problems with McDowell's conception. This, in the first place, will bring out the need to extend the notion of second nature to the social dimension, understanding it not just as `inner' second nature — individual mind — but also as `outer' second nature — objective spirit. In the second place the dialectical connection between these two notions of second nature will point the way to a critical use of the concept itself, which will link up with a theory of reification. Furthermore, I shall endeavor to fit my reflection into the problematic constellation of critical theory: my analysis in fact rests on the question whether, within a critical theory, the philosophy of nature can be recaptured today, in such a way as to give meaning to the very notion of socio-philosophical criticism of reality.

Capitalism as a space of reasons: Analytic, neo-Hegelian Marxism?

“…See, for instance, Adorno (1984). Testa (2007) has worked with both McDowell’s use of the term and Adorno’s.…”

Technology-Enhanced Learning: A Question of Knowledge

“…The account of Bildung as McDowell sees it may appear esoteric, but since it is relevant to the question of how children make generations of activity in the world their own it has obvious implications for education. McDowell has not explored these implications, and possibly this has left his own project incomplete and under‐developed (see Testa, 2007). Cognitive capacities (or what may be called the ‘intellectual virtues’) are developed through the induction of the child into culture, tradition and so on.…”