F. H. Bradley Quotes

A collection of quotes by F. H. Bradley.

Francis Herbert Bradley (1846-1924) was a British philosopher, best known for his work in metaphysics and ethics. He was born in Clapham, London, and grew up in an academic family. Bradley attended Balliol College, Oxford, where he encountered the works of philosophers such as Immanuel Kant and G.W.F. Hegel.

Bradley's most significant contribution to philosophy was his book "Appearance and Reality" (1893), in which he argued against the existence of individual entities and explored the concept of a monistic universe. He rejected the notion of a dualistic reality and instead posited that reality was an interconnected, unified whole. Bradley was deeply critical of empirical philosophy and sought to move beyond the limitations of scientific observation.

In addition to his metaphysical work, Bradley also explored the realms of ethics and moral philosophy. He emphasized the importance of self-realization and advocated for the prioritization of the collective over the individual. His ethical theory, known as "Bradleyan ethics," aimed to reconcile individual desires and social obligations in order to achieve a harmonious society.

Despite his influence on later philosophers, Bradley's ideas were also subject to criticism. Many philosophers took issue with his dense and often abstract writing style, and his rejection of important scientific findings dampened his popularity over time.

Overall, F. H. Bradley's work continues to be influential in the field of metaphysics and his contributions to ethics have also left a lasting mark on philosophical discourse.