Dilthey and the narrative of history

by Jacob Owensby

Although he never produced a comprehensive statement of his own theory of historical understanding, Wilhelm Dilthey (1833-1911) has played a crucial role in the development of modern phenomenology and philosophy of history. Drawing from Dilthey's reflections a systematic philosophy of history, Jacob Owensby offers a groundbreaking introduction to the full range of Dilthey's work. In his clear and accessible account, Owensby considers several vital but only recently published texts and many of Dilthey's writings that have not been translated into English. Throughout, Owensby explores the contemporary importance of Dilthey's views in relation to such theorists as Derrida, Husserl, and Heidegger. Dilthey anticipates the antifoundationalist arguments of postmodern philosophy, Owensby suggests, while at the same time articulating the connections among experience, life, and narrative.