Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 3. Earl of Shaftesbury Books
February 26, 1671 – February 4, 1713
Anthony Ashley Cooper, 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury, was an English politician, philosopher, and writer. His work primarily focused on the realms of politics and philosophy, where he left a significant mark. He was a notable figure of his era, with his writings reflecting his profound thoughts and philosophical convictions. His contributions to literature and philosophy establish him as an important individual in English history.
Shaftesburys »Brief über den Enthusiasmus« kann als eine Grundschrift des Aufklärungszeitalters, des »Zeitalters der Kritik«, angesehen werden. In dieser Schrift, die der Kritik des Fanatismus gewidmet ist, reflektiert Shaftesbury den Zusammenhang von Politik, Wissenschaft und Kritik; zugleich schlägt er mit dem »test by ridicule« ein Verfahren kritischer Prüfung von Überzeugungen, Glaubenswahrheiten und Meinungen vor. In dem Werk »Die Moralisten«, das Shaftesbury mit Überlegungen zum Philosophiebegriff einleitet, bilden Tugend, Natur und das Problem des Schönen die zentralen Themenkreise. dass Shaftesbury hier gegenüber der objektivierenden Naturbetrachtung den Gedanken eines sympathetischen Verstehens der Natur erneuert, das die Natur als Grund der eigenen Existenz erinnert und zu einer »ästhetischen Gesamtansicht der Welt« (Cassirer) führt, begründet die nachhaltige und tiefgreifende Wirkung des Werks (vor allem Wieland, Herder und Goethe wären zu nennen).
Shaftesbury (1671-1713), a prominent figure of the European Enlightenment and a friend of Locke and Bayle, was part of the intellectual avant-garde of his time. His writings, which saw numerous editions in the 18th century, were widely received across Europe, influencing thinkers such as Mandeville, Hutcheson, Berkeley, Butler, and Hume in Britain; Leibniz, Oetinger, Hamann, Mendelssohn, Lessing, Wieland, Kant, Merck, Herder, and Goethe in Germany; and Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau in France. The critical Standard Edition compiles all of Shaftesbury's works published during his lifetime, along with posthumous writings, unpublished materials, and his correspondence. This edition also includes the original printed versions of texts he later revised, presented alongside relevant textual materials in a critical format. Additionally, it features engravings from 18th-century editions of his work, designed by Shaftesbury himself as emblematic illustrations. The final volumes will include English commentary and a comprehensive index for the entire edition. The growing community of Shaftesbury scholars eagerly anticipates each volume, as the provision of reliable texts and previously unpublished materials is expected to significantly advance Shaftesbury research.