Reinhold: the unity of thought in the diversity of foundations

Abstract

This article takes a look at some key-texts from Karl Leonhard Reinhold’s philosophical course in order to show that although the author often changes the theoretical outline of his writings, there is always a fixed unity of thought that remains in all the reworked stages, namely, the search for an absolutely first and universally valid cause for all philosophy, which could put an end to the fruitless metaphysical controversies of that historical moment. For this, he does not hesitate to investigate different sources, or even change the conceptual content already used by himself, but always remains extremely faithful to his greater interest, even if it were necessary to adapt himself to the theory of whoever approached this project more closely.