The Human Vocation and the Question of the Earth: Karoline von Günderrode’s Philosophy of Nature

Abstract Contra widespread readings of Karoline von Günderrode’s 1805 “Idea the Earth ( Idee der Erde )” as a creative adaptation Schelling’s philosophy nature, this article proposes that Earth” furnishes moral account human relation to natural world, one which does not map onto any more well-known romantic or idealist accounts human-nature relation. Specifically, I argue responds great Enlightenment question concerning vocation, but from distinctive romantic-idealist angle. begin by demonstrating influence Fichte’s 1800 Vocation Humanity on thinking, involves an investigation both text and critical response it. then turn where analyse understanding nature self in light her critique Fichte, thereby distinguish position espoused fellow romantics idealists. By reading alongside remarks it, sheds new defence Naturphilosophie – against it contribution philosophies nature.